Colorful Concerns: Exploring Perceived Reasons for and Maternal-Infant Reactions to Human Milk Color Changes Through...

Area of Science:

• Lactation Science
• Human Milk Composition
• Infant Nutrition

Background:

• Human milk color variations are infrequently documented in large-scale studies.
• Abrupt milk color changes can cause parental distress and potentially disrupt breastfeeding.
• Lack of data necessitates characterization of milk color variations and maternal responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize self-reported human milk color variations.
• To explore maternal perceptions regarding the causes of milk color changes.
• To examine factors associated with changes in maternal breastfeeding routines due to milk color variation.

Main Methods:

• An online survey assessed self-reported milk color changes and maternal responses (n=430).
• Descriptive analyses detailed color variations and perceived causes.
• Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of breastfeeding routine changes (n=277).

Main Results:

• Green was the most reported color variation, followed by blue, yellow, and red; most changes lasted 1-3 days.
• Perceived causes included infection, food intake, vaccination, and medication.
• Red milk, fear of infant harm, and maternal age predicted behavior change, while education was protective.

Conclusions:

• Human milk color variation is more common and diverse than previously recognized.
• Normalizing milk color variations through anticipatory guidance may alleviate parental anxiety.
• This guidance can support continued breastfeeding across all parity groups.