Have you ever noticed blood or rust-like discharge from your breasts during breastfeeding? This may seem worrisome, however, there is no need to panic as it is not harmful to the baby. This is a self-limiting condition known as Rusty Pipe Syndrome (RPS) that you may experience during late pregnancy or early lactation. We spoke to Dr Ravneet Joshi, Consultant, Lactation Specialist, Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, who explained this condition and listed its causes, complications, and management tips.
What Is Rusty Pipe Syndrome?
“RPS, a term common among breastfeeding mothers, refers to the presence of small amounts of blood in expressed breast milk. This is a common occurrence even though it may seem alarming initially. Women experience this phenomenon in the early days after childbirth, but it typically resolves on its own without causing harm to either the mother or the baby”, said Dr Joshi.
According to BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, it is a harmless physiological condition that commonly appears in first-time mothers. It usually manifests as brown or bloody milk resembling water flowing from a rusty pipe. RPS tends to occur on both sides, is painless, and resolves on its own.
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What Causes Rusty Pipe Syndrome?
In the initial stages postpartum, as the body adjusts to breastfeeding, several factors contribute to RPS. “The breasts undergo significant changes, becoming engorged as they prepare to produce mature milk. This engorgement, coupled with increased blood flow to the breast tissue, can cause tiny blood vessels to rupture, resulting in the appearance of blood-tinged milk”, said Dr Joshi.
Complications of Rusty Pipe Syndrome
“While RPS is usually considered harmless, it can cause anxiety among new mothers. One of the primary concerns is the cosmetic effect. The sight of blood in breast milk may also worry many, but please remember that this discolouration doesn't affect the milk's nutritional value”, added Dr Joshi. Additionally, some infants may show slight discomfort or reluctance to feed when there is blood-tinged milk. However, this is temporary and doesn't pose any long-term complications with breastfeeding.
According to the Korean Journal of Family Medicine, in instances of RPS, where the infant tolerates the milk well, breastfeeding can be continued and encouraged to support exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. If bleeding persists for more than one week, the discharge should be further assessed to rule out papillomas.
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How to Manage Rusty Pipe Syndrome?
RPS in new mothers typically resolves without any interventions. However, there are certain steps mothers can take to ease symptoms and ensure breastfeeding continues smoothly. Dr Joshi listed some of them as follows:
- Frequent Nursing: Encouraging the baby to nurse frequently helps relieve breast engorgement and promotes milk flow. It reduces the likelihood of blood appearing in the milk due to stagnation.
- Comfort Measures: Applying warm compresses or taking warm showers before breastfeeding can reduce discomfort associated with engorgement and facilitate milk let-down.
- Seeking Support: Mothers can seek guidance from lactation consultants and healthcare providers who can help with resources that can offer valuable advice and reassurance to navigate any concerns they may have.
Bottomline
Dr Joshi concluded, “RPS though initially unsettling, is a normal part of the breastfeeding journey for many mothers. Mothers can breastfeed confidently, knowing they are providing their babies with the best possible start. With support from healthcare professionals and fellow mothers, they can embrace the joys of breastfeeding while navigating any challenges that may arise along the way.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only, Hence, we advise you to consult your gynaecologist if you notice any health issues to avoid the complications.]