A Note for a Nursing Mother – 6 Causes of Blood in Breast Milk
At first days after child birth some moms may have blood in breast milk. As a result, colostrum is rust colored, pink or red. Sometimes when a mother pumps she may observe blood in her milk. Some mothers feel slight breast pain, some wonder if it is ok to breastfeed with small amount of blood.
Let's consider the above issues.
Causes of Blood in Breast Milk
Strong stress. After delivery new mommies have low stress resistance which may cause blood in breast milk. Consult a psychologist, he/she will help to overcome the difficulties. Moreover, rely on your family support.
Leaking breasts. This is quite normal when you are lactating. In several weeks breasts will begin to dry up and leakage will begin to stop when mother's breast becomes soft. Pinkish milk will turn into white once a mom and her baby master breastfeeding.
Microtraumas. They occur due to wrong pumping or injuries of breasts. If you use an electric pump, try to use manual/hand expression techniques. If after that there is no blood in breast milk - avoid using a pump.
Cracks and other problems with nipples. They often occur as the baby applies pressure through sucking (wrong stimulation of nipple takes place). Make sure the baby's latch is correct.
Vascular engorgement. There is an increased blood flow and the development of the breast tissue which may lead to vasoconstriction, i.e. reaction of vessels to breast taking and air temperature. The main causes of vasoconstriction are wrong latch on, thrush, etc.
Breast diseases. The most common causes of bloody discharge in pregnancy and lactation are intraductal papilloma (50%) and fibrocystic disease (31%). You need not panic, as with proper medical consultation and treatment the causes will be removed.
The small amount of blood in breast milk will not harm your baby - you may go on breastfeeding as usual. If the bleeding persists for more than two weeks after delivery, consult your physician. May be, special examination and complex treatment of your breasts will be involved.
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