Pink Breast Milk

What is pink breast milk?

Pink breast milk is usually a sign of blood in your milk. There are lots of reasons why a little blood could get into your breast milk, and most of them are harmless (to you and your baby).

But some causes of bleeding — like benign masses or, rarely, cancer — need medical treatment. And certain bacteria can turn your milk pink, which can potentially harm babies who aren’t strong enough to fight it off.

If you notice your milk looks pinkish or red, contact a healthcare provider. Your provider will identify the cause and make sure you get any needed treatment. Don’t feed the milk to your baby until your provider says it’s safe to do so.

Why is my breast milk pink?

The most common cause of pink breast milk is the presence of blood in your milk. You may have blood in your milk from:

• Nipple trauma. The wear and tear of breastfeeding can cause your nipple to crack and bleed. Just a small amount of blood will turn your milk pinkish in color. Nipple trauma is the most common cause of bleeding that leads to pink breast milk.
• Breast engorgement. Your breasts may swell up after you give birth. This can cause delicate blood vessels in your breasts to stretch and break. A bit of blood can then enter your milk and tint it pink. This leakage is harmless and stops as swelling goes down.
• Bacterial mastitis. Inflammation in your breasts (mastitis) sometimes leads to a bacterial infection. The infection may cause blood to leak from your nipples.
• Noncancerous masses. Intraductal papillomas are benign (noncancerous) masses that form in your milk ducts. These masses can cause nipple bleeding.
• Cancer. Breast cancer can sometimes cause blood to come out of your nipples. If you notice bloody discharge from one or both nipples, tell a healthcare provider right away. Cancer is a rare cause of pink breast milk.

Other causes of pink breast milk include:

• Serratia marcescens infection. A type of bacteria called Serratia marcescens can grow on your nipples — typically entering through a crack in your skin’s surface. The bacteria make a bright pink pigment (prodigiosin) that turns your milk pink. You may notice pink stains on your towels or bra.
• Medications. Certain rarely prescribed medications may turn your milk pink as a side effect. Clofazimine (a medicine that treats leprosy) is one example. Be sure to read medicine labels so you understand all possible side effects.

What’s causing pink breast milk when pumping?

The same bacteria that can grow on your skin (Serratia marcescens) can also grow on other surfaces — including breast pumps. This might happen if you don’t clean pump parts well enough or leave pumped milk out at room temperature. You’ll notice a pinkish tint to the pump parts and any milk that’s inside.

Always follow the cleaning instructions that come with your pump. And be sure to store pumped milk in your fridge or freezer.

How is pink breast milk treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and may include:

• Breastfeeding adjustments. If you have cracked nipples, it’s a good idea to meet with a lactation consultant or breastfeeding medicine specialist. These providers can take a look at things like your baby’s latch and your breastfeeding position. Sometimes, small changes can help ease nipple pain, bleeding and other issues.
• Antibiotics. If you have bacterial mastitis or signs of a Serratia marcescens infection, your provider may prescribe antibiotics. If bacteria are just growing on your pump parts (and not on your skin), you won’t need antibiotics.
• Procedures or other treatments. More serious causes of pink breast milk, like tumors, may require procedures, medicines or other treatments. Your provider will tell you more and guide you through each step.

Is pink breast milk safe?

It depends on what’s making your milk pink and other factors, like your baby’s health. For example, Serratia marcescens bacteria may harm babies who are born preterm or have a compromised immune system.

If your milk looks pink or red, wait to give it to your baby. Talk to a healthcare provider first. They’ll tell you whether the milk is safe to use. Meanwhile, pump and store your milk.

When should I contact a healthcare provider?

Call a healthcare provider if your breast milk is pinkish. They may want to examine the area and do some imaging tests. If you have cracked or sore nipples, your provider can offer advice on finding relief. If you follow your provider’s guidance and still have pink breast milk, go back for a follow-up. They’ll want to look for other possible causes.

If you only have pink breast milk on one side, it’s especially important to see a healthcare provider. This is typically more of a concern than bleeding on both sides. Bleeding from just one nipple could be a sign of a benign or cancerous mass. Your provider will run some tests and make sure you get the care you need.