Why do I have bloody discharge from my breast when I squeeze while breastfeeding?

Understanding Bloody Discharge During Breastfeeding
Experiencing bloody discharge from your breast while squeezing during breastfeeding can be concerning, but it’s important to understand the potential causes and implications. This phenomenon can arise from several factors, many of which are related to the physical changes and challenges that occur during lactation.
Common Causes of Bloody Discharge
One of the most frequent reasons for blood in breast milk or bloody discharge is cracked or damaged nipples. This can happen as new mothers learn to breastfeed, leading to blisters, cuts, or fissures on the nipple and areola. These injuries can easily bleed, resulting in a pink or red streak in the milk. In fact, studies indicate that temporary bloody discharge may occur in up to 24% of breastfeeding women at some point during lactation.
Another potential cause is mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that can occur during breastfeeding. Mastitis can lead to inflammation and may cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and sometimes bloody discharge. This condition often arises from milk stasis, where milk builds up in the breast, creating an environment conducive to infection.
Hormonal Influences and Other Factors
Hormonal changes during breastfeeding can also contribute to nipple discharge. While some discharge can be normal, especially in women or individuals assigned female at birth, it is generally considered abnormal in men. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to various types of discharge, including bloody discharge, particularly if there are underlying issues such as intraductal papillomas, which are growths in the breast ducts that can cause sticky or bloody discharge.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many cases of bloody discharge are benign and related to common breastfeeding challenges, it is crucial to monitor the situation. If the discharge is persistent, spontaneous, or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or lumps in the breast, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can help rule out more serious conditions, including breast cancer, which, although rare, can present with similar symptoms.
In summary, while bloody discharge during breastfeeding can be alarming, it is often linked to manageable issues such as cracked nipples or infections like mastitis. Understanding these causes can help alleviate concerns and guide appropriate responses to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy during this important time.

Is it normal for breast to discharge when squeezed?

Liquid may leak from your nipples on its own or when they’re squeezed. It can be lots of different colours, including clear, white, yellow, green or bloody. Nipple discharge may be nothing serious, but sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying condition, including a breast cyst or breast cancer.

Is it normal to have bloody discharge while breastfeeding?

Bloody nipple discharge during lactation occurs as a result of several factors such as cracked nipples, mastitis, trauma, or intraductal papilloma [3,4]. However, a rare physiological condition, known as “rusty-pipe syndrome”, can cause painless bloody nipple discharge in pregnant and post-partum women [2,3,5].

What does bloody discharge from the breast mean?

Clear or bloody discharge, often from one nipple, may be caused by a non-cancerous tumour called intraductal papilloma. Thick or sticky discharge that is green, greenish brown or reddish brown may be caused by a non-cancerous condition called mammary duct ectasia.

What is the blood drainage of the breast?

The venous drainage of the breast is divided into the superficial and deep veins. The superficial veins form the venous plexus of Haller, which runs deep to the nipple areolar complex and along the anterior surface of the fascia. The deep veins run along with the arterial supply of their respective region.

How do I know if my breast is infected?

Symptoms of a breast infection may include: Breast enlargement or fullness on one side only. Breast lump. Breast pain.

What are the early warning signs of mastitis?

Symptoms of mastitis
a burning pain in your breast – you may feel this only when breastfeeding or it may be constant. nipple discharge, which may be white or contain streaks of blood. a lump or hard area on your breast. feeling tired, run down and feverish – you may have flu-like symptoms.

Is it normal for blood to come out when breastfeeding?

While blood in breast milk doesn’t automatically mean something bad — it could be a result of damaged nipples, broken capillaries or mastitis — it could also be a sign of a serious health condition.

What does mastitis discharge look like?

But the mastitis may also include other signs, like these: Flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue. Yellowish discharge from the nipple that looks like colostrum. Breasts that feel tender, warm, or hot to the touch and appear pink or red.

Can you squeeze out mastitis?

Try squeezing just behind the blister; you might be able to squeeze out some toothpaste-like material through the now opened blister. If you have a blocked duct at the same time as the blister, this might result in the duct unblocking. Putting the baby to the breast may also result in the baby unblocking the duct.

What does cancerous breast discharge look like?

Nipple discharge
Discharges that are clear, bloody or contain pus are possible early warning signs for certain types of cancer, especially if they occur in only one breast and are spontaneous and persistent, and a lump is also present.