Witches Milk…Is My Baby Leaking Breastmilk?

So what’s the scoop? You’ve seen discharge from your babies chest, you’re confused or nervous, and looking for answers. Here’s a little more information regarding the milky white stuff you see leaking from your newborn babies chest.

Witches' milk, also known as neonatal galactorrhea, is a milky discharge from the breasts of newborns. It is a normal and harmless condition that occurs in up to 5% of newborns. Witches' milk is caused by a combination of factors, including maternal hormones, prolactin, and growth hormone.

• Why is it called witches’ milk

  The term comes from ancient folklore that fluid leaking from a newborn’s nipple was a source of nourishment for witches’. It’s giving Hocus Pocus.

• What causes witches' milk?

  During pregnancy, the mother's hormones pass through the placenta and stimulate the baby's breast development. After birth, the baby's prolactin levels remain high for a few weeks. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates milk production. The baby's growth hormone levels also rise after birth. Growth hormone stimulates the growth of breast tissue.

  All of these factors can contribute to witches' milk. However, the exact cause is not fully understood.

• When does witches' milk occur?

  Witches' milk typically occurs in the first few weeks after birth. It may be present in both boys and girls. The discharge may be clear, white, or yellowish in color. It may also be sticky or watery.

• How long does witches' milk last?

  Witches' milk usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. However, it may last up to two months in some cases.

• What should I do if my baby has witches' milk?

  If your baby has witches' milk, there is no need to be concerned. It is a normal and harmless condition. There is no treatment necessary. However, you should avoid stimulating the nipples, as this can prolong the discharge.

  If the discharge is accompanied by redness, swelling, or tenderness, you should contact your pediatrician. These may be signs of infection.

• Will breastfeeding make it worse?

  Witches' milk does not interfere with breastfeeding. In fact, breastfeeding can help to clear up the liquid quickly.

  If you are breastfeeding, you can continue to breastfeed as usual. You do not need to express the milk from your baby's breasts.

So just a reminder, avoid expressing milk from your baby's breasts. This can prolong the leaking fluid.

If you have any concerns about witches' milk or breastfeeding, please talk to your pediatrician. They can provide you with more information and support. You should contact your pediatrician if:

• The liquid is accompanied by redness, swelling, or tenderness.

• The liquid is green in color.

• The liquid has a foul odor.

• The liquid does not go away on its own after two months.

Seeing anything foreign on your newborn baby can be quite distressing. Rest assured knowing that there is an origin for this and if you continue to feel unsure always reach out to your trusted health care professionals. They are there to help support you on this journey.