Experiencing bleeding nipples while breastfeeding can be a cause for concern. In most situations, however, breastfeeding can safely continue. Understanding the common reasons behind this occurrence and how to address them can provide reassurance and support.
Safety for the Baby
Parents often worry about their baby ingesting blood with breast milk. Small amounts of maternal blood are generally not harmful to the infant. The baby’s digestive system is equipped to handle these quantities, which are typically digested without issues. Though alarming, the blood usually originates from the mother’s nipple and poses no harm to the baby.
Occasionally, ingested blood may cause milk to appear tinged or result in dark flecks in the baby’s stool. This is usually benign and not a cause for alarm, though it might alter the milk’s taste, potentially making the baby less eager to feed. However, if a mother has certain blood-borne diseases, such as Hepatitis B, C, or HIV, temporary cessation of breastfeeding may be advised to prevent transmission to the baby.
Common Causes of Nipple Bleeding
Nipple bleeding during breastfeeding often stems from physical trauma or underlying conditions. A primary cause is an improper latch, where the baby does not take enough breast tissue into their mouth, causing friction and damage to the nipple. This can lead to cracked or abraded nipples, which may then bleed. A shallow latch can cause the nipple to be squashed or pinched against the baby’s hard palate.
Nipple infections can also contribute to bleeding and discomfort. Thrush, a fungal infection, causes burning pain and cracks that may bleed. Bacterial infections, like mastitis, can lead to inflammation and blood-tinged milk, often with flu-like symptoms.
Other factors include vasospasm, where nipple blood vessels constrict, or issues with the baby’s oral anatomy, such as a tongue-tie, which hinders a deep latch. Engorgement, or overly full breasts, can also make proper latching difficult and result in nipple trauma.
Strategies for Management and Healing
Addressing nipple bleeding involves a combination of care practices and adjustments to breastfeeding technique. Optimizing the baby’s latch and positioning is a crucial step to minimize further trauma and promote healing. Ensuring the baby takes a deep latch, with the nipple positioned comfortably far back in their mouth, can significantly reduce pain and allow the nipple to recover. Changing feeding positions can also help distribute pressure more evenly across the nipple.
Nipple care is important for healing. After feeding, gently rinse the nipples with warm water and allow them to air dry. Applying expressed breast milk can aid healing due to its natural antibodies and skin-softening properties.
Purified lanolin or hydrogel dressings can also provide a protective barrier and promote moist wound healing. For pain management, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken, and warm compresses applied after feeding may offer relief. If breastfeeding becomes too painful, temporarily pumping milk can give the nipples a rest while maintaining milk supply.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While many cases of bleeding nipples resolve with home care and adjustments, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. If the pain is persistent or worsens despite implementing home care strategies, it is advisable to seek help. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus-like discharge, or the development of a fever and chills, require immediate medical attention.
Significant or continuous bleeding, or bleeding that does not improve after a few days, warrants a consultation with a healthcare provider. If the baby shows symptoms like not feeding well, excessive fussiness, or significant amounts of blood in their vomit or stool, a pediatrician should be consulted to rule out other issues. Concerns about the baby’s weight gain or the mother’s milk supply being affected by the nipple trauma are also reasons to seek support from a lactation consultant or doctor.