Finding blood during breastfeeding can be unsettling. While it may appear alarming, it is often due to benign and temporary reasons. This article provides information on why blood might appear and what steps can be taken.
Common Maternal Causes
One frequent reason for observing blood is nipple trauma, such as cracked or sore nipples. This typically happens when a baby has a shallow or improper latch, causing friction and damage to the delicate skin of the nipple and areola. The constant irritation can lead to small fissures that bleed during or after a feeding session.
Another common cause is capillary damage within the breast tissue. The rapid changes in blood flow and pressure during milk ejection can often cause tiny blood vessels to rupture. This results in small amounts of blood mixing with the milk. This type of bleeding is temporary and resolves on its own.
A phenomenon known as “rusty pipe syndrome” can also lead to blood-tinged milk. This condition often occurs in the early days postpartum, typically within the first week after birth. It involves old blood from engorged milk ducts mixing with the initial milk, giving it a brownish or reddish appearance. The discoloration usually clears within a few days as feeding establishes and the ducts are fully drained.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many instances of blood in breast milk are not serious, certain signs warrant medical consultation. If bleeding is persistent, heavy, or accompanied by significant pain, it is important to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can assess for underlying conditions that might require intervention.
Symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, or a red, swollen, and tender area on the breast could indicate an infection like mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can sometimes involve a bacterial infection and may present with blood in the milk. Other less common maternal causes include benign growths, such as intraductal papillomas, which are small, non-cancerous tumors that can cause bleeding from the milk ducts.
In very rare cases, blood in breast milk could be a symptom of more serious breast conditions. If there are persistent lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge that is not related to feeding, a medical evaluation is recommended. While extremely rare, conditions affecting the infant, such as a bleeding disorder, could also lead to blood in the milk if the infant’s mouth or gums are bleeding.
Impact on Your Baby
Discovering blood in breast milk can cause concern about the baby’s safety. However, small amounts of blood ingested by an infant are not harmful. The baby’s digestive system is capable of breaking down and processing the blood without adverse effects. Continuing to breastfeed is typically safe, even if blood is present.
Sometimes, a baby might spit up milk that appears pink or streaked with red, or their stools might appear dark or tarry. These occurrences are usually due to the ingestion of blood from the breast and are not typically a cause for alarm if the baby is otherwise healthy and growing well. The appearance of dark stools, known as melena, is simply digested blood and indicates it has passed through the baby’s gastrointestinal tract.
Unless the amount of blood is significant or the baby shows signs of distress, such as excessive vomiting, lethargy, or refusal to feed, there is usually no need for immediate medical intervention for the baby. Parents can continue to monitor their baby’s feeding patterns and overall well-being. If there is any doubt or persistent symptoms, consulting a pediatrician is always a reasonable step.
Tips for Managing Blood
To help prevent and manage nipple bleeding, ensuring a proper latch is paramount. A lactation consultant can assess the baby’s latch and offer adjustments to improve comfort and reduce nipple trauma. Correct positioning of the baby at the breast can significantly reduce friction and allow damaged nipples to heal.
For sore or cracked nipples, applying expressed breast milk to the affected area after feeding can promote healing. Some parents also find relief and accelerated healing by using medical-grade lanolin or hydrogel pads, which create a moist environment conducive to tissue repair. It is important to change nursing pads frequently to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial growth.
Continuing to breastfeed on the affected side, if comfortable, is generally encouraged as it helps maintain milk supply and prevents engorgement. If one breast is particularly sore, starting the feeding on the less affected side can sometimes ease initial discomfort. Maintaining overall breast hygiene, including gentle cleaning with water, also contributes to healing and preventing complications.