Rusty Pipe Syndrome: When Your Milk Looks… Weird
So, you’re eagerly waiting for your milk to transition from colostrum to transitional milk, and—bam!—it suddenly has a pink or brownish tint. This sounds like rusty pipe syndrome, a totally harmless (and temporary!) quirk of early breastfeeding
Rusty Pipe Syndrome
• Happens when small amounts of blood mix with colostrum or early milk
• The name comes from the way it looks—kind of like water from an old pipe when you first turn it on
• Most common in first-time parents and usually resolves within a few days
WHY?!
Your milk-making factory (aka your mammary glands) goes through a huge increase in blood flow and development during pregnancy. Sometimes, tiny capillaries break as your body gears up for milk production, leading to that rusty tint.
Is It Safe for Baby?
Yep! Blood in milk isn’t harmful to your baby. Some babies may have slightly darker stools (or even spit up a little pink), but it’s not a cause for concern
How Long Does It Last?
Typically, it clears up within a few days as your milk transitions. If it lasts longer than a week or gets worse, it’s worth checking in with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider to rule out other causes
Important Note if You’re Pumping!
If you see blood in your milk after the first week or two of breastfeeding—especially if you’re pumping—it’s not rusty pipe syndrome. It’s usually due to:
• Pumping with the wrong flange size (too big)
• Suction set too high, causing nipple trauma
• Other causes like cracked nipples or irritation
If that’s happening, check your pump settings, make sure your flange size is correct, and reach out for support if needed!
When to Call for Help:
• If the discoloration persists beyond a week.
• If you notice a lot of fresh, bright red blood (which could indicate a nipple injury).
• If you have pain, swelling, or flu-like symptoms (which could mean an infection like mastitis).
Rusty pipe syndrome looks alarming, but it’s just one of those weird, normal things about breastfeeding. Your milk is still liquid gold, and your baby will be just fine!
Have you experienced this? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️