So you’ve noticed that your breastmilk is pink and you look down and realise that it’s coming from your cracked and bleeding nipple. While it can be scary when you first come across it, there’s likely nothing to be worried about!
Can you still breastfeed?
Yes you can! There’s no need to dump that precious liquid whenever you spot blood in your milk.
A small amount of blood in your milk is not harmful to baby. As long as your baby is nursing well, you can continue to breastfeed. The problem should go away on its own within a few days.
However, you should pay close attention if you have an infection that can be transmitted through your blood. It is still safe to breastfeed with infections such as Hepatitis B or C in the absence of blood. But when blood is present, you should stop breastfeeding. For infections that spread through blood and body fluids, exposure to blood through your milk may increase baby’s risk of getting it too.
What to do if you spot blood in your milk
Can you store breastmilk if there’s blood in it?
Blood can change the taste of the milk. It may be even stronger after a period of time in the fridge or freezer. It is best to give the milk to baby immediately after pumping.
How will the blood-tinged milk affect baby?
Blood in your milk may not have any effect on baby at all. But some babies may encounter the following issues:
For more pregnancy and childcare tips, subscribe to our mailing list and like us on Facebook, to receive new articles for mummies like you every week!
