Observing blood in pumped breast milk can be a disconcerting experience for any parent. While the sight of blood can be alarming, it is often not a serious health concern for either the parent or the baby. Understanding the common reasons this occurs can help alleviate worry and guide appropriate action.
Appearance and Commonality
Blood in pumped breast milk can manifest in various ways, appearing as pink or red streaks, brownish tinges, or even a “rusty pipe” appearance resembling rust. In some cases, milk may look black or olive green.
Potential Causes
Several factors can lead to blood in pumped breast milk. Trauma to the nipple or breast tissue is a common reason, often caused by an improper flange size or excessively high suction levels during pumping. Cracked or abraded nipples, resulting from a baby’s shallow latch or other feeding difficulties, also frequently lead to bleeding.
Capillary damage within the breast is another cause. Delicate blood vessels can break due to engorgement, rough handling during massage, or strong pump suction.
A specific condition known as “rusty pipe syndrome” can cause breast milk to appear reddish-brown, orange, or rust-colored, particularly in the initial days postpartum. This occurs due to increased blood flow and vascular engorgement as milk production begins, causing blood to seep into the milk ducts. This condition is usually painless and typically resolves on its own within a few days to a week.
Infections like mastitis can also lead to blood in breast milk. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue, often accompanied by pain, redness, swelling, and fever.
Benign growths, specifically intraductal papillomas, are non-cancerous, wart-like tumors forming within the milk ducts. These growths, made of glandular tissue and blood vessels, can cause bloody nipple discharge, often affecting only one breast and typically without pain. Medical evaluation is suggested to confirm their nature. In rare instances, breast cancer can also cause bloody nipple discharge.
Safety for Your Baby
In most instances, breast milk containing small amounts of blood is considered safe for the baby. Some babies might spit up more after consuming milk with blood due to its taste. However, if the parent has a blood-borne infection such as HIV or Hepatitis B or C, feeding milk with blood may not be advisable, and a healthcare provider should be consulted for specific guidance.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Certain signs indicate the need to consult a healthcare professional. Seek medical attention if the amount of blood in the milk increases, or if bleeding persists beyond a few days or a week. Contact a doctor if you experience pain, fever, redness, warmth, or swelling in the breast, as these can be signs of an infection like mastitis. Any general concern about the cause of the blood, or if other unusual symptoms develop, warrants a medical evaluation.
Tips for Management and Prevention
Addressing underlying issues can help manage and prevent blood in pumped breast milk. Ensure the breast pump flange fits correctly, as an ill-fitting flange can cause nipple trauma and bleeding. The nipple should move freely within the flange tunnel without rubbing or pain. Adjusting the pump’s suction level to a comfortable setting can also prevent damage to delicate breast tissues.
For cracked or sore nipples, applying a nipple cream or balm can provide soothing relief and promote healing; many are safe to leave on between pumping sessions or feedings. Gentle massage and applying warmth to the breast can aid in milk flow and alleviate engorgement, which may contribute to capillary damage. If an underlying issue like mastitis is identified, following the prescribed treatment, often involving antibiotics, is necessary to resolve the infection and associated bleeding.