Exercise: The build-up of lactic acid in your body along with the saltiness of perspiration on your breasts from strenuous exercise can interfere with the taste of your breast milk. When you exercise, keep it at a light or moderate level and wash your breasts to remove any sweat before you feed your baby.
Medications: Certain medications can change the taste of your breast milk. If you start anew medication and notice your child is not breastfeeding as well, that might be the cause. Talk to your doctor if you think this is an issue.
Smoking: Studies show that the breast milk produced after a mother smokes cigarettes will take on the smell and flavor of the smoke. If you smoke, have your cigarette immediately after you finish feeding your child and try not to smoke for at least 2 hours before breastfeeding to keep the smell and flavor of the smoke at a minimum.
Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol is known to affect the flavor of breast milk. It takes about two hours per drink for alcohol to leave your body and your breast milk. The longer you wait after you have an alcoholic beverage, the less alcohol will be in your breast milk.
Frozen Breast Milk: Breast milk that has been collected and stored in the freezer will sometimes have a soapy odor and taste when it's defrosted. It is still safe to give this milk to your child; however, your child may not like the taste and refuse it.
Mastitis: A breast infection can cause the milk in your affected breast to have a strong, salty taste. And while it's still safe to breastfeed from both breasts during this time (both the affected and unaffected) if you think you may have mastitis, see your doctor for treatment.
Body Products: Lotions, creams, soaps, perfumes, oils or ointments that you put on your breasts can add different flavors to your milk as your baby nurses. If you use any body products on or near your breasts, be sure to wash your breasts well before breastfeeding your baby.
A change in the taste of your breast milk for any of these reasons may affect your child. Some babies will not seem to notice or mind the variations of taste while other children will nurse less, go on a nursing strike or even appear to be self-weaning. By understanding some of the things that can change the flavor of your breast milk you may be able to keep your child nursing longer.