The Original Color of Mother’s Milk and Why It Changes
When you think of breast milk, you probably picture a creamy white substance. Right? The truth is thatthe color of breast milkcan vary greatly, even between different feedings or pumping sessions.
Any mother who has pumped her milk or seen it spilling from her baby’s mouth will tell you that its color is not fixed. Breast milk ranges mostly between shades of white and yellow, but sometimes it can look quite interesting.
It’s completely normal for your breast milk to sometimes appear blue or green; even black or pink can be among the possible colors. When you notice your milk exhibiting different colors and shades, it’s natural to feel concerned.
The good news is that most breast milk colors, with one exception, are natural and do not indicate any issues with your milk or problems with breastfeeding your baby.
A Rainbow of Breast Milk Colors and Their Meanings
Your milk changes color because it is a living substance influenced by factors like the last time you breastfed your baby, the fat content of your milk, and the foods and medications you may have consumed. Let’s explore these aspects in this section ofSelMagzand get familiar with the different colors of breast milk.
Yellow
The yellow color of breast milk can have a few reasons. Your “first milk” or colostrum is yellow in color.Colostrumis often referred to as liquid gold and is rich inantibodiesand beta-carotene, which gives it a yellowish-orange tint.
At the end of breastfeeding, when your richest milk comes in, your milk may take on a yellow tint, so when you pump, you might notice the milk becoming yellow towards the end of your pumping session. As you store your milk in a bottle or bag, the creamier, yellowish milk separates from the surface.
Orange Milk
Again, your colostrum may have an orange tint, which is completely normal. Your milk can also turn orange due to foods you have consumed.
For example, foods rich in beta-carotene, such assweet potatoes, squash, andcarrotscan give your milk an orange color. Food colors found insodas, energy drinks, or other foods can also cause your milk to appear orange.
Green Milk
When you notice your milk appears green, it is natural to feel worried, but in reality, green milk is completely normal. The green color is usually due to consuming foods with green food coloring, such as energy drinks. But certain green vegetables likespinachorseaweedcan also contribute. Herbal supplements may also cause your milk to appear green, but again, there is no need for concern.
Blue Milk
Sometimes the milk you pump at the beginning may look slightly white/blue. This is referred to as watery or foremilk. This milk is very suitable forquenching your baby’s thirstand as you continue breastfeeding or pumping, your milk changes to hindmilk, which is thicker, yellower, and richer.
Black orBrown Milk
If your milk looks rusty, you might be experiencing rusted nipple syndrome. This usually appears a few days after giving birth and is due to bleeding from the stretching of milk ducts as the milk comes in.
Are There Any Milk Colors That Indicate a Problem?
In most cases, breast milk in various shades is natural and safe for your baby. However, there’s a time to be concerned. When your milk turns pink, it could be a sign of a bacterium called Serratia marcescens.
According to recent studies, low to moderate levels of this bacteria in your milk are not a major concern. Still, higher amounts could harm your baby, especially if your baby is premature or medically fragile. Therefore, if your milk is pink, it is advisable to contact your doctor to address the issue of Serratia marcescens, and of course, if you have any concerns about the color of your milk or your baby’s health, reach out to your midwife, pediatrician, or lactation consultant.
