What happens if blood comes while breastfeeding?

Understanding Blood in Breast Milk
Finding blood in breast milk can be a distressing experience for breastfeeding mothers. However, it’s important to understand that this occurrence is not uncommon and can stem from various causes.
Common Causes of Blood in Breast Milk
Blood in breast milk can arise from several factors, primarily related to the mother’s health. One of the most frequent reasons is bleeding nipples, which can occur due to improper latching during breastfeeding or friction from the baby’s suckling. This can lead to small cracks or fissures in the nipple, resulting in blood mixing with the milk.
Another potential cause is mammary duct ectasia, a condition where a milk duct beneath the nipple dilates, fills with fluid, and can become blocked. This blockage may lead to inflammation and bleeding. Additionally, infections such as mastitis can also contribute to blood in breast milk, as they can cause inflammation and damage to the breast tissue.
Is It Safe to Continue Breastfeeding?
For most mothers, the presence of a small amount of blood in breast milk is not a reason to stop breastfeeding. In fact, it is generally considered safe for the baby to consume milk that contains a little blood. The amount of blood that might be present is typically minimal and not harmful to the infant.
However, if the bleeding is significant or accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain, fever, or a noticeable change in the breast’s appearance, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
What Should Mothers Do?
If a mother notices blood in her breast milk, the first step is to assess the situation calmly. Here are some recommended actions:
1. Check for Nipple Damage: Inspect the nipples for cracks or bleeding. If damage is found, addressing the latch and positioning during breastfeeding can help alleviate the issue.

2. Consult a Lactation Consultant: Seeking advice from a lactation consultant can provide valuable insights into proper breastfeeding techniques and help prevent further injury.
3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any additional symptoms that may arise. If there are signs of infection or if the bleeding persists, it’s crucial to seek medical advice.
4. Stay Hydrated and Rest: Maintaining good hydration and rest can support overall health and recovery.
Conclusion
While discovering blood in breast milk can be alarming, it is often a manageable issue that does not pose a significant risk to the baby. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek help can empower mothers to continue their breastfeeding journey with confidence. If concerns persist, professional guidance is always recommended to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy.

Will blood in breast milk harm a baby?

It often looks like a lot of blood because the blood can form one large lump in the stomach, which they then spit up. Swallowed blood won’t harm your baby but tends to irritate the stomach and baby might vomit it up.

Can I still breastfeed if my nipples are bleeding?

It might be less painful if you use a nipple shield. Talk to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counsellor first, to make sure you’re using the shield correctly. It is usually quite safe for baby to feed on a bleeding nipple.

Does bleeding affect breast milk supply?

Menstruation can affect your milk supply, especially during the end of the cycle or during your period. This is due to a decrease in prolactin concentration. At this time, nursing may be uncomfortable, and you might see your baby nursing more frequently due to the decrease in blood supply.

What happens if a baby swallows blood while breastfeeding?

Swallowed blood from breast milk doesn’t pose any major risks to your baby. It can point to health issues with the mother, but a bit of blood in the breast milk will not affect the baby. If your baby spits up due to the milk, it’s recommended that you stop breastfeeding from the affected breast for a while.

How to tell if you’re getting mastitis?

Symptoms may include:

• Breast tenderness or warmth.
• Breast swelling.
• Thickening of breast tissue, or a breast lump.
• Pain or a burning feeling all the time or while breastfeeding.
• Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern.
• Feeling ill.
• Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius) or greater.

How do you know if you swallowed maternal blood?

Maternal blood ingestion usually occurs perinatally, and it typically presents as maroon/coffee-ground emesis, maroon-colored blood in meconium, blood-streaked stools or melena.

Is it normal to see blood while breastfeeding?

In fact, this is common in first-time breast-feeding moms. Spots of blood may appear in your pumped milk, or your baby may have a small amount of blood in the mouth after breast-feeding. You probably don’t need to stop breast-feeding your baby or see your doctor.

Should I stop breastfeeding if I’m bleeding?

Usually, even if you have an infection, it’s still safe to breastfeed with blood in your breast milk but some infections are not safe for your baby. For instance, if you have a blood-borne infection, you should talk to a health care provider.

How to tell if breast milk is bad?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.

Should I keep pumping if blood is coming out?

Although it may seem counterintuitive, you shouldn’t stop breastfeeding or breast pumping just because there are traces of blood present. Even if you have a blood infection or illness, continue to pump to avoid blocked ducts or painful engorgement while you and your doctor determine the cause and treatment.