In the article, we will consider what color breast milk should be.
Breast milk is a uniquely nutritious food that can change its smell along with color and taste during different periods of lactation. A change in the color of milk can be observed during the day, when certain physiological changes occur in the body of a nursing mother. Some nursing mothers are concerned about the consistency of this product. The fat content of milk depends on various indicators. In the summer, milk becomes lean, which is directly related to the need for additional fluids for newborns.
So what color should breast milk be.
Colostrum color
Transitional mother's milk appears immediately after the end of colostrum production, which occurs even in the process of carrying a baby. Normally, colostrum has a yellow color with a creamy tint, which is largely due to the high content offat.
The taste of colostrum can range from slightly s alty to sweet sensations. The color of the first breast milk is of interest to many.
Transitional milk may take on a white tint, and its actual consistency often becomes liquid. You can evaluate the appearance along with the consistency of mother's milk as part of the use of a breast pump. Sometimes transitional milk has a yellowish tint, which is also considered normal. The following factors influence the color of a young mother's breast milk:
- Features of the emotional and physical state of a woman.
- Alcohol and smoking abuse.
- Eating smoked meats, and, in addition, spicy and s alty dishes.
Mature milk color
Not everyone knows what color breast milk should be. The color range of mature mother's milk can be very variable. This indicator directly depends on the individual characteristics of the female body, and, in addition, on the area where the product is located in the mammary glands (posterior or anterior).
Hinder and foremilk
Let's figure out what color breast milk should be, depending on whether it is anterior or posterior.
Foremilk is closest to the excretory duct of the mammary glands. Such a product has a liquid consistency along with a transparent whitish tint. It contains vitamins, and, in addition, milk sugar (that is, lactose) and plain water. The function of the mother's foremilk is to meet the needsnewborn in the required amount of liquid.
After fifteen to twenty minutes of active sucking, hindmilk begins to enter the duct, which already has a thick consistency with a white color. This product contains a huge complex of nutritional components that replenish the energy needs of the baby.
In the event that the baby refused the mother's breast and did not wait for the rear portion to arrive, the woman is not recommended to offer the child a second breast. When children consume only the front portions of milk, they develop indigestion. For the same reasons, slow weight gain among newborns is observed.
What is the color of breast milk when lactation stops?
When lactation stops
When it's time to stop breastfeeding, mom's milk takes on a different texture and color. The main function of such a product is the formation of immunity in the body of a newborn. At the stage of involution, breast milk is yellow, reminiscent of colostrum.
It is important to remember that the reason for the change in color is the use of certain drugs. The use of products that contain food coloring can also affect the color of a young mother's milk. Next, let's try to figure out what color breast milk is normal.
Milk color is normal
Bluish, white or yellow color of milk are variants of the norm, the presence of these shades is often caused bychanges in the milk composition at various stages of lactation. Colostrum is usually yellow or orange in color. As for the color of mature breast milk (pictured), normally it is usually pale and slightly blue. And with the natural completion of lactation, the milk turns yellow, after which it soon ceases to be produced at all. Now let's move on to the reasons why milk changes color.
Reasons for changing milk color
In some situations, a woman may find that her milk looks unusual, namely, it has an unusual color. Here are the possible reasons for such changes:
- Change in diet. There are well-known cases when mother's milk turns green during periods when a woman consumes large amounts of greens, such as spinach, sorrel and seaweed. Vegetables that have bright colors, such as carrots along with pumpkins and beets, can turn breast milk pink or orange. When a large number of berries are consumed, the product may turn blue or purple. It is worth noting that milk in this case does not pose any danger to the baby. The main thing is that he should not be allergic to the foods that caused the color change.
- Influence of food colorings. Artificial additives in foods or drinks that give them a bright color can also pass into breast milk, giving it an unexpected color. Often the culprits are all kinds of carbonated drinks, along with confectionery or sweets that are too intense in color. Such componentscan cause various digestive problems in babies, causing an allergic reaction.
- The effects of drugs. There are cases when mother's milk turned black due to the use of medicines. During lactation, medications are allowed to be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor and it is important to ensure that they are not contraindicated.
Yellow milk
Sometimes, breastfeeding women may wonder why breast milk is yellow. Women always have a moment when a young mother puts her baby to her breast. It should be noted right away that in no case should you worry about this type of color of the product, because the yellow color does not indicate its depravity or illness of the mother. It is quite acceptable to feed a newborn baby with such a product.
In the event that a woman expresses milk at different times, it will be possible to notice a special pattern that it will also turn out to be with an excellent color. Its color will change, and, in addition, its composition. The fat content does not always have to be the same. It can change its properties every day or between pumping processes throughout the day. Having expressed milk at the beginning of feeding, a woman will receive a bluish color of the product. And in the event that you express milk at the end of feeding, then it will turn out to be more fat. Accordingly, the color will turn yellow.
The presence of pathological impurities in breast milk
When developing a seriesdiseases in the breast milk of women observe pathological impurities. You can find this while expressing milk. In the event that a nursing woman has found a change in the color of milk, she is recommended to consult a doctor, namely a mammologist.
What color is a woman's breast milk normal, now it's clear.
Pus impurities
In the event that women find impurities of pus in milk, this is a sign indicating the appearance of purulent mastitis. In this case, the woman will be able to continue breastfeeding, but only on the condition that the discharge is insignificant.
In the event that a young mother had to give up for a while from applying the baby to the breast, then she is recommended to express milk constantly. This will avoid stagnation and preserve lactation. In order to avoid the occurrence of congestion and mastitis, a nursing woman is advised to breastfeed the baby on demand.
Blood impurities
Streaks of blood are often observed with a rapid rush of milk. The cause of this condition are small hemorrhages. Other causes of blood in breast milk include:
- Wearing tight underwear resulting in prolonged breast compression.
- The appearance of abrasions and cracks in the nipples.
- The occurrence of bleeding caused by the growth of malignant and benign tumors of the mammary glands.
Before continuing to feedbaby with such food, the young mother should consult a specialist in order to find out the causes of bleeding. In some cases, a woman may need a course of medication or surgery. Next, let's talk about purulent secretions and blood impurities in milk in more detail.
Not all women know what color breast milk is. A photo will help you figure it out.
What should alert?
Change in color along with the consistency of breast milk can in some cases be a sign of disease. In order to confirm or refute the suspicion, it is required to express milk, and, in addition, analyze its appearance. In the presence of alarming symptoms, you should consult a doctor. The following are examples of possible deviations in the well-being of the mother, which affect the color of the milk.
Purulent discharge, as a rule, appears with the development of mastitis and the inflammatory process that develops due to stagnation of milk in the duct. As a rule, the discharge of pus can be accompanied by a significant increase in body temperature, and, in addition, pain in the chest. Women need to seek medical help in such cases. The possibility of subsequent breastfeeding is determined only by the doctor. To prevent the occurrence of mastitis, it is necessary to regularly apply the baby to both mammary glands at once, expressing milk in case of suspicion of congestion.
Greenish milk, which is accompanied byblood inclusion, can occur with a strong rush of fluid. This can happen if the feeding regimen was violated. And also this happens when a nursing mother visits baths or saunas, and, in addition, against the background of excessive consumption of warm liquids. This can lead to a sharp increase in the amount of milk in the ducts and significant damage to the small blood vessels, which is the main cause of changes in color.
If there is a bleeding crack in the nipples, the milk also turns pink, but it is completely harmless to the baby. Especially dangerous is the condition in which blood enters the milk from a tumor that is in the chest. Such a woman is required to be examined by a doctor without fail, after which the doctor will prescribe therapy and decide on the advisability of further breastfeeding.
Thus, breast milk can be very different: liquid or watery, with a hint of blue, yellow, and so on. But in case of pus or blood impurities in this product, you should consult a doctor.
We looked at what color breast milk should be. Photo submitted.
