“Witch milk” is the common name for neonatal galactorrhea, a normal, temporary phenomenon in newborns. This condition involves a small amount of milky or clear fluid leaking from the infant’s nipples. It is a physiological event, occurring in approximately 5% to 6% of full-term newborns, equally in males and females. Neonatal galactorrhea typically appears within the first days or weeks of life and resolves on its own as the baby’s system processes circulating hormones.
The Hormonal Cause of Neonatal Galactorrhea
The milky discharge results directly from the hormonal environment the infant experienced in the womb. Powerful maternal hormones, most notably estrogen and prolactin, cross the placenta and enter the baby’s circulation. These hormones are responsible for stimulating the mother’s body to prepare for lactation. The newborn’s mammary tissue is sensitive to these high hormone levels.
After birth, the infant is suddenly cut off from the placenta, causing a rapid withdrawal of these circulating maternal hormones. This sudden drop triggers a brief, temporary stimulation of the baby’s undeveloped milk glands, resulting in fluid secretion. Production stops once the maternal hormones have naturally cleared from the baby’s system.
Addressing Infant Discomfort and Pain
For most infants, neonatal galactorrhea is not painful and causes no discernible discomfort. The discharge is often accompanied by a small, palpable firmness or swelling beneath the nipple, known as a breast bud or breast hypertrophy. This small lump is typically soft and non-tender to the touch.
The discharge itself is usually a small, clear, or whitish fluid that resembles colostrum. Parents may only notice it when the area is gently touched or pressed. This condition is considered benign, and the breast tissue surrounding the nipple usually remains its normal color without any signs of inflammation.
Safe Care and Recognizing Warning Signs
The most important rule for safe care is to leave the area completely alone. Manipulating, squeezing, or attempting to “drain” the fluid is strongly discouraged by pediatricians. This unnecessary pressure can irritate the delicate breast tissue and introduce bacteria from the skin surface into the milk ducts, potentially leading to a serious secondary infection known as neonatal mastitis.
The only necessary cleaning should be performed gently with water during the baby’s normal bath time, followed by patting the area completely dry. No ointments, creams, or home remedies should ever be applied.
Although the condition is typically harmless, parents should monitor the area for specific red flags requiring medical attention. Consult a pediatrician immediately if the breast swelling is accompanied by excessive redness or if the skin feels noticeably warm to the touch. Other signs of a potential problem include significant tenderness (causing the baby to cry when lightly touched), a thick yellowish discharge, or visible pus. If the discharge or breast enlargement persists beyond two or three months, or if the baby develops a fever, a doctor should be consulted.