Breastfeeding Problems: Bloody Nipple Discharge & Nipple Color Change
There are several reasons behind having a bloody discharge from your nipple. You may notice the blood on the nipple, or you may notice that your breast milk is bloody in color (ranging from pinkish to red), or your baby’s stool is bloody. The first usual reason behind this bloody discharge is if you have a nipple injury or if you sustained some kind of trauma to your breast and the breast tissue is bleeding slightly. If you have an injured nipple or have breast trauma, talk to your doctor.
Sometimes breast tissue trauma can be caused by a breast pump with a powerful vacuum. If this is the case, reduce the settings of your breast pump, and you may opt not to use it for a while. You should also discuss this issue with your doctor. They will tell you what to look out for specifically when it comes to future pumping sessions.
You may also have bloody discharge from your nipples shortly after giving birth. Your colostrum may be very red or orangey in color. This could be because in some women (though it’s rather rare) there is an increase in the blood vessels in the breast ducts while pregnant. This kind of bloody discharge will usually clear up after a few days. You can consult your doctor regarding the bloody colostrum, and unless it’s due to something else, they will usually tell you to continue feeding.
Though bloody discharges can be harmless and most of them usually clear up after several days, it’s always best to consult your doctor. In rare circumstances, bloody discharge can be a sign of breast cancer. It is important for your doctor to examine you and rule out this possibility. They may test the discharge and let you know whether or not you should continue feeding your child.
Nipple Color Change
Some breastfeeding women experienced nipple color change. While pain or discomfort may or may not occur along with the discoloration, it is the changing in color itself that can be distressful rather than painful. Usual color changes include blanching or white color, a combination of white and bluish colors on the nipple, or a combination of white, red, and bluish colors on the nipples.
A blanched or white nipple is probably the effect of incorrect latching or positioning while breastfeeding. There are times that incorrect latching leads to nipple compression causing it to appear whitish. This is the most common cause of nipple discoloration and pain. In order to relieve this discoloration, proper latching must be established.
Some women however experience cold sensitivity due to the constriction of blood vessels in the breasts. The Raynaud phenomenon causes discoloration in the nipple resulting in white, bluish, and reddish colors. If you suspect that you have this problem, try using a hot compress on your breasts before and after feeding sessions. The hot compress can alleviate the narrowing of the vessels.
You should also discuss the problem with your doctor. They may prescribe medication (usually the same kind of medication used to treat high blood pressure) for two weeks. Your doctor will also check on any other possible medicines you are taking to make sure that you are not taking one that can constrict blood vessels as part of a side effect.
Finally, try to wear warm clothing around your breast area, and if you are smoking, stop. Smoking is known to constrict blood vessels, plus it is not good for you or your baby. Remember that if you’re breastfeeding, anything you take in can affect the baby, including the nicotine from your cigarettes.
Next Article: Breastfeeding Problems: Flat, Inverted or Retracted Nipples & Plugged Ducts
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