Various causes of the appearance of blood in breast milk

The decision to breastfeed a baby with breast milk is full of challenges. Start with breast swelling, attachment problems in breastfed babies and several others that you may encounter. However, this problem seems trivial compared to blood search in breast milk.

Many nursing mothers panic and suspect serious health problems when they find blood in breast milk. However, this does not always indicate a serious problem. In fact, many women who breastfeed for the first time will face problems such as blood spots on the results of a breast pump or a small amount of blood in the baby's mouth after breastfeeding. What makes blood appear in breast milk?

1. Blisters of the nipple
Blisters or cracked nipples can be a side effect during breastfeeding. Complications of breastfeeding, such as breastfeeding attachments or ineffective hooks, often result in irritation and painful sores or even bleeding.

Basically breastfeeding is an experience that must be comfortable and enjoyable. So, don't give up the ampoule condition to the nipples. You can change breastfeeding position and consult with a medical expert. Follow these tips for treating blisters:

Use the side of the breast that does not show injury / pain
Take painkillers such as acetaminophen
Cold / hot compresses on the nipples after breastfeeding
Give ASI when the baby is not too hungry, so do not try to be aggressive
Use nipple protectors
Apply pure lanolin cream after breastfeeding

2. Blood vessel swelling

Rusty Pipe syndrome or swelling of blood vessels can cause blood in breast milk, due to increased blood flow to the breast after giving birth. Mother's first colostrum or breast milk can contain colors such as rust, orange or pink.

There is no specific treatment for this condition because it will gradually disappear in the week after delivery.

3. Rupture of small blood vessels (capillaries)
The breasts have small blood vessels that can rupture due to trauma or injury. If you are pumping breast milk by hand or pump, do it gently so it doesn't hurt you.

If you use your hands, pull out the milk and not the nipple. If breast milk stops flowing, don't force it. Go to the chest next to it. Meanwhile, when using a UPS pump, follow the instructions for correct use. Choose a speed and suction function that is comfortable and does not cause breast irritation.

4. Benign intra-ductal papilloma
Bleeding can be caused by a small benign tumor in the milk duct tissue. This benign tumor can be touched with the hand and is behind or near the nipple. This tumor can be scary. However, the potential for breast cancer will only increase if you have lots of papilloma.

5. Mastitis
Mastitis is a type of breast infection that occurs during breastfeeding with symptoms, including:

Swollen breasts
Redness of the breast
Chest pain
fever
fever

Some women with mastitis also complain of nipples and blood loss in breast milk. This infection can be caused by accumulation of breast milk in the breast due to low frequency of breast milk or improper breastfeeding. Prevent mastitis with frequent breastfeeding.

Mastitis can be cured with lots of rest, drink a lot and take painkillers like acetaminophen. You can also continue to breastfeed, which will help your healing condition.

Use loose clothing and avoid further irritation. Contact your doctor if the condition of mastitis continues or consult a medical expert for a safer breastfeeding solution.

If you find blood in your milk, don't panic right away. Because of this, general conditions can be cured and do not require serious treatment. If blood in breast milk continues for more than a week, contact a doctor. In rare cases, blood in breast milk can be an indication of breast cancer.

You also do not need to stop breastfeeding because the amount of blood is small. But if you suffer from hepatitis C, stop breastfeeding to avoid transmission and see a doctor immediately.