I was stunned when my breast milk turned BLUE – here’s what it really means
A MUM has shared a video of her breast milk that turned blue – which according to an expert, is completely normal. Breast milk can also turn pink, green or beige, which may come as a surprise to new mums. Cárina-Natalie Worley, a 23-year-old mum-of-three, said she was “amazed” at the human body as she […]
A MUM has shared a video of her breast milk that turned blue – which according to an expert, is completely normal.
Breast milk can also turn pink, green or beige, which may come as a surprise to new mums.
Cárina-Natalie Worley, a 23-year-old mum-of-three, said she was “amazed” at the human body as she showed off the lightly blue-tinged liquid.
Posting to TikTok, the Aussie said her milk turned blue “because my son is sick so my body is producing antibodies to fight it off”.
Breast milk contains antibodies belonging to the mum, which are passed to the baby to give them immunity against an array of illnesses.
However, the blue tint is more likely to occur because of its fat content, an expert explained.
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Piroska Cavell, who worked as an agency midwife at NHS trusts all over the UK, and in the private sector, told The Sun: “Breast milk then changes as your baby grows it can change to a pale white even a blueish colour.
“The fore milk, which is the first part of the feed your baby receives, is designed to quench its thirst and is a paler blueish colour.
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“The next part of the feed is the hind milk and it contains all the fats and nutrients for baby. This is what fills baby up and can range from white to cream to a pale tan colour.
“Your boobs and your body are so clever that when the temperature rises outside, your breast automatically provides more of the thirst quenching fore milk for the baby.”
Fore milk is lower in fat, so it’s important the baby still gets enough of the hind milk.
Blue-tinged milk can also be a result of how it is stored after being pumped, according to Donna Murray, a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University.
She wrote for Verywell Family: “When you pump and store breast milk, it can change a little bit. In the refrigerator, breast milk may separate into layers.
“There may be a thick, white or yellow creamy layer on top, and a thinner clear or blue-tinted layer on the bottom.
“You don’t have to worry. It’s normal, and it doesn’t mean the milk went bad.
“It’s just that when it sits, the fat rises to the top. When you’re ready to use it, you just have to mix the layers by gently swirling the bottle.”
Colours of the rainbow
Piroska, who runs wellbeing clinic, Clinic Sese, in Whitstable, Kent, explained that breast milk changes in order to fit the baby’s needs.
She said: “Breast milk is another example of how fantastically clever the human body is. Your boobs are brilliant!
“Without consciously doing anything you can provide your baby with the exact amount of antibodies and the correct balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins for it to thrive and develop as it should.
“Breast milk automatically adapts to your baby’s needs. The amount created at each feed and the calorific and nutrient content is designed to exactly match the size of your baby’s stomach.”
Breast milk can alter depending on what you eat, drink or take as medication.
Piroska said: “A lot of green veg can give it a pale green hue.
“Lots of fruit and berries and beetroot can give it a pinkish tint.
“Some medications can also influence the colour of your milk, so always check with your pharmacist or doctor that it is safe to take any prescribed medication, over-the-counter drugs or supplements whilst breastfeeding.
“Colours of breast milk that warrant a check up by your midwife or doctor are bloodstained-this could be infection related or it could be from sore nipples. This is often easily resolved.
“If it is dark orange or brown, seek medical advice. It could be an indication of a more severe issue or being given an unsuitable medication for you whilst breastfeeding.
“If you are concerned about the colour of your milk, any lumps or pain do not hesitate to get it checked out by your midwife or doctor.”
The fluid produced by the breasts in the first few days after birth is called colostrum.
It’s thick and usually a golden yellow colour as it is very concentrated.
Piroska said: “Before and shortly after birth breasts start to manufacture what is called colostrum.
“This is what can surprise first time mums as your breasts can start to leak quite a while before baby is due.
“Ask your midwife for some collection syringes and to show you how to collect it. Why? because this is invaluable if your baby arrives early or struggles to feed initially.
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“Your small syringes of colostrum will be able to support your baby through those early days and still provide all the building blocks and protection from disease it needs.
“The colour ranges form orangey/gold to creamy and it is quite a thick sticky consistency.”
