Mum puzzled by different milk from each breast during same pump

"The other side has completely changed colours."

A mum has been met with a peculiar sight after finishing a breast pumping session. 

With the cups of her pump placed side by side there’s a clear difference in colour of the output. 

One side is the usual creamy, white that we’d all be familiar with when we think of breast milk. However, the other has a blueish tinge. 

The mum noticed her breast milk on one side had a blue tinge Image: Reddit/Ohmydoornutz

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"Only one side is producing 'regular' milk"

The milk had been expressed during the same pump, but they differed in colour. 

Taking to Reddit, she shared the image to try and understand what might have happened. 

“It’s strange only one side is producing 'regular' milk. The other side has completely changed colours,” the mother wrote.

“I’m actually weaning my 15 month old right now and I pump at night so there’s less discomfort.” 

Her comment section seemed to find the funny side, others offered valid theories. 

Sydney lactation consultant Cathy Shortt, from Milk and Mums Co, says blue-tinged breast milk isn’t any cause for concern. 

There are some common reasons as to why breast milk can appear to be blue. 

“At the beginning of a feed breast milk may appear blue due to lower fat and higher water content,” she explained to Kidspot. 

"Very normal"

She also explains it’s not uncommon for each side to be different in colour, despite being expressed during the same session.  

“Possible factors may be that breasts have different storage capacities and if one breast hasn't been emptied for a period of time the milk may appear more blue,” she said. 

“Time between pumps may dictate the colour of milk such as if one breast was pumped and the other wasn't.” 

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Colours of the rainbow

It’s normal for breast milk to come in a range of different colours.  

Cathy says it’s simply a reflection of variations in diet, the time of day or milk composition.  

“Colours such as blue, green, yellow and white and orange can all be very normal,” she explained.  

“Red, pink or rusty coloured milk can also be normal if you have nipple damage but if persistent, please seek medical advice.” 

However, there are red flags that breastfeeding mothers should be aware of. 

“Please contact your health care provider/ Lactation Consultant if your milk smells sour, you have breast pain, lumps, fever, redness or signs of mastitis,” Cathy advised. 

She says if milk changes colour suddenly to green, red or black it’s important to consult with a health expert.

Originally published as Mum puzzled by different milk from each breast during same pump