So you just noticed some milk discharge coming out of your baby’s breast? No need to freak out yet. I want you to thoroughly understand this condition so you can take the proper measures. This condition is well known as “neonatal galactorrhea,” a condition in which a newborn baby produces breast milk even though they are not breastfeeding. This can happen to both men and women, and it is usually caused by hormones that are passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy.
Galactorrhea is really not harmful to the baby and usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. But in some cases, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, like a pituitary tumor or low thyroid function.
The symptoms of neonatal galactorrhea include the production of breast milk from the nipples, swelling of the breasts, and leaking of milk from the breasts. In some cases, the baby may also experience difficulty feeding or discomfort when breastfeeding. First of all, I suggest you don’t get tempted to squeeze it; squeezing it out can cause bacteria to get into the milk glands and lead to an infection of the breasts (mastitis).
You should see a doctor if the milky discharge lasts longer than 2 months or if the area becomes red and sore, which usually doesn’t happen very often. Also, at your baby’s one-month well-baby visit, be sure to tell the doctor what’s going on.
Treatment for neonatal galactorrhea may include medications to reduce the production of breast milk and improve the baby’s symptoms. When the root cause is a problem with hormones, hormone replacement therapy may be needed.
Overall, neonatal galactorrhea is a relatively common condition that is typically benign and goes away on its own. But it’s important for doctors to check out the condition and treat it to ensure the baby’s health and well-being.