Variations in Human Milk

Like leaves in the fall, breast milk comes in an assortment of colors!  During direct breast feedings we don’t see milk color because it travels unseen, directly from breast to baby.  However, in those instances where we do see the milk (for example when baby spits-up or during milk expression), its color may be surprising (if not alarming)!  Breast milk comes in a beautiful array of colors. It ranges from clear (not really a color), to light yellow, deep orange, pink, red, rust, and even hues of green, blue and purple!
 
Here are some explanations.  In the beginning, colostrum is often seen as a deep yellow-orange color due to the large amount of beta-carotene.  It may also be seen as a rusty color, possibly due to old blood that has collected in the milk ducts during pregnancy.  If mother is experiencing trauma to the nipple, it is not unusual to see pink (strawberry) or red milk as a result of bleeding of the nipple itself.  Maternal diets rich in seaweed and kelp, or where mom takes certain vitamins, may have green tinged milk.  Gatorade, for one, has also been implemental in producing green milk.  A bluish tinge to milk is very often seen, especially in mature milk.  Rarely, there are reports of oral medication causing milk color variations (one in particular resulting in black milk).  More commonly, gentian violet, applied topically as a treatment for yeast, lends itself to a colorful situation.   Purple-tinged everything…baby spit-up, expressed milk, clothing…everything!
 
Not to worry if these variations are noticed.  Breast milk is the best and safest milk for baby, regardless of its color. Furthermore, mothers’ milk almost never remains the same color.  It varies from day to day, time of day, method of expression, how long it has been sitting (separation), maternal diet, etc.  So enjoy the showy rainbow of color.  It’s good, healthy entertainment!
 
Note: Unless milk is found to have a foul odor or is refused by baby, it may be used for feeding.  A persistent change in milk color, odor or refusal of infant to take feedings from a particular breast should be evaluated by a physician.