The Many Colors of Breast Milk

Unlike formula, human milk can come in a variety of colors, due to its natural change in composition throughout the day. From the golden yellow hue of colostrum; (colostrum can have color variations as well) to the pearly white mature milk occurring weeks following the birth of your baby, some may even experience their mature milk varying from green, orange or yellow tinged depending on the foods or supplements consumed. Continue reading below for an overview of some breast milk color variations!

Yellow Breast Milk: Aside from this being the most common color of colostrum; if you are noticing your milk turning yellow after an illness, it may be due to the increase in immunoglobulins, white blood cells and leukocytes from your sophisticated immune system! Sometimes frozen breastmilk can have a yellow tinge as well.

Clear/Blue Breast Milk: Commonly associated with high milk production or mom’s experiencing long lapse between feeds/removal of milk. This occurs due to more water being pulled into the breast milk during this extended interval of time.  Milk may appear to have a thinner consistency, especially during let down with more fat being released as the breast continues to drain.

Orange Breast Milk: Due to high levels of carotene in milk from diets high in yellow-orange fleshed veggies (think yams, carrots etc). This is harmless to babies and can sometimes result in their skin having an orange hue as well.

Green Breast Milk: Associated with the consumption of green colored beverages, or leafy green veggies such as spinach, kale, broccoli etc.  Some supplements such as multivitamins and prescription medications can result in this change as well.

Red or Pink Breast Milk: Could be due to consuming red colored foods/drinks, think beets! This may also be indicative of blood in the milk; which could occur in the presence or absence of cracked nipples. This is not harmful to babies and should subside in a few days in most cases. You may even notice your baby having pink/red tinged spit ups or poos. However, please reach out your provider or lactation consultant for additional support

**Sometimes blood in the breast milk may not be normal, so if you see this, please contact your health care provider**

Brown Breast Milk: May be “rusty pipe syndrome”. Usually occurs shortly after delivery. This is due the growth and stretching your milk making cells and ducts. During this growth phase there is an increase in blood flow to these areas, which may leak into the ducts and lead to brown tinged breast milk.

Neon Pink Breast Milk: Breast milk transitioning from white to neon pink or purple, may be due to bacterial colonization by Serratia Marcescen. Please reach out to your health care provider or lactation consultant for further advice.

It may seem a little strange to see your breast milk change color; more than likely this is harmless to you and your baby. However, trust your mommy instincts and seek guidance from your health care provider if you are concerned!