Is it Normal?: Breastmilk Edition

 Breastfeeding comes with a lot of questions, especially about what's normal. Breastmilk varies from person to person. Yours is not necessarily going to look like the next persons. Your milk color, texture, and consistency can all change. It can be affected by your diet, stage of milk, and storage. Let's talk about what's normal and what's not when it comes to breastmilk appearance. 

Is the Color of My Breastmilk Normal?

Have you noticed your breastmilk color has changed? Let's talk about it.

White or Creamy

• This is the most common color for breastmilk to be and is normal.
• Fat content in the milk gives it this color.
• Towards the end of a pumping or feeding session milk may appear whiter due to higher fat content.

Blue or Blue-Tinted

• This is also considered normal.
• Can be due to thinner milk that has a lower fat content.
• Typically experienced at the beginning of a pumping or feeding session.

Yellow or Golden

• This is considered normal.
• Can be due to colostrum being produced a few days after birth.
• Can be due to your diet, something you ate.
• Can also be due to a higher fat content.

Greenish

• Generally considered safe.
• May be due to something you ate.

Red, Pink, or Brown-Tinted

• Can be due to blood from cracked nipples.
• A small amount of blood can turn the whole bottle of milk blood tinged, however, it is still considered safe to give to baby.
• Can also be due to diet.

Orange or Tan

• Considered normal.
• Can be due to diet.
• May see this with thawed milk as well.

Texture and Separation

Breastmilk can appear thinner or thicker depending on where you are in your feeding or pumping session. Towards the beginning you may notice it is thinner and towards the end it may be thicker. It can also depend on the time of day. It tends to be thinner in the morning. What you eat can also affect the fat content in your breastmilk. 

Breastmilk separation is also normal. If you leave a bottle of breastmilk in the refrigerator, you may notice that the fat rises to the top or sticks to the sides. This is normal. It is recommended to swirl the bottle to mix instead of shaking to reduce air bubbles getting in the milk. 

When it Might Not be Normal

• Foul odor
• Curdled appearance
• Baby keeps refusing it
• Doesn't blend back together after mixing

If you're ever in doubt, just throw it out! 

Everyone's breastmilk looks different. Of course, if you have concerns consult your pediatrician! Share your strange milk color experiences in the comments!