Discovering pink or reddish breast milk can be unsettling for any breastfeeding parent. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon is important. This article explains the common causes of pink breast milk and provides guidance on when to seek professional medical advice.
Understanding the Color Change
The most frequent reason for breast milk appearing pink or reddish is the presence of trace amounts of blood. This can occur due to several common and generally temporary conditions.
One such condition, often observed in the initial days postpartum, is “rusty pipe syndrome.” During this period, blood vessels in the breasts expand rapidly, and small capillaries can leak blood into the colostrum or early milk. This usually resolves within 7 to 10 days after birth.
Nipple trauma, such as cracked or sore nipples from an improper latch, is another common cause of blood in breast milk. Even minor damage can lead to small amounts of blood mixing with the milk. Beyond blood, certain foods and beverages can also temporarily alter milk color; for instance, consuming beets, strawberry smoothies, or foods with red artificial dyes might tint the milk pink or reddish.
Less commonly, some medications or herbal supplements may change breast milk color. In rare instances, bacterial infections can cause pink discoloration. The bacterium Serratia marcescens produces a distinct pink pigment that can appear in breast milk, sometimes staining pump parts or towels. While most causes are benign, other less common reasons for blood in milk include noncancerous growths in the milk ducts, known as intraductal papillomas, or, very rarely, breast cancer.
Is It Safe to Continue Feeding?
In most situations, pink breast milk with small amounts of blood is safe for the baby. This applies to conditions like “rusty pipe syndrome” or minor nipple trauma, as the tiny quantity of blood is not harmful and does not affect the milk’s nutritional quality.
Babies might occasionally spit up more frequently if they ingest blood-tinged milk, as the blood can sometimes irritate their stomach. Changes in the baby’s stool, such as a darker color or flecks of blood, are typically due to swallowed blood and not a cause for alarm if the source is known. Observe your baby for any unusual symptoms like excessive fussiness, vomiting, or persistent bloody stools.
There are specific circumstances when feeding pink breast milk might not be recommended. If the milk contains large, obvious amounts of blood, or signs of pus, consult a healthcare provider before continuing to feed. If the pink color is suspected to be caused by a bacterial infection like Serratia marcescens, especially for preterm or immunocompromised infants, seek medical guidance. Feeding may need to be temporarily suspended until the cause is determined and addressed. Sterilization of pumping equipment is also crucial in such cases.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many instances of pink breast milk are harmless and self-resolving, certain signs warrant prompt medical attention. If the discoloration persists for more than a few days, especially beyond the first week or two postpartum, consult a healthcare professional. This persistence could indicate an underlying issue.
Seek immediate medical advice if you experience breast pain, redness, swelling, or a palpable lump, as these could be symptoms of an infection like mastitis. A fever or flu-like symptoms accompanying the pink milk also indicate a possible infection. If the milk contains significant or increasing amounts of blood, or if the bleeding appears to be from only one breast, consult a doctor for further investigation.
Monitor your baby for any adverse reactions after consuming pink milk. If your baby exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, bloody stools, poor feeding, or unusual fussiness, contact your pediatrician. If you are worried about your breast milk’s appearance or safety, consult a lactation consultant or doctor for diagnosis and reassurance.