In a message dated 97-07-02 18:56:25 EDT, you write:

>> Does colostrum vary in color?  And if so, can it be too dark?  I'm
>guessing
>> the nurses thought it was "bad".

We have discussed this before, so look up the past posts.  When I was
directing the Chicago Milk Bank, I collected all the different colored milks
and took slides of them.  Wonderful Shakley  vitamins turns colostrum and
milk pea green with the alfalfa base.  I will never forget the frantic call
from Rush Hospital, Chicago, downtown hospital,  with a mom that was pumping
out "horrible green milk".  Coolaid and the other drinks can also color the
milk.  So be careful when a mom is pumping milk and make sure you explain to
her and NURSES that your milk may vary in color and might even look like
bluish, skim milk.  That does not mean it is low fat.  It is exactly what it
is suppose to be for your baby at that particular time.  It amazes me that we
never worryed about the milk before when moms just nursed.  Heading off to
LLLI conference in DC.

Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Connection/Medela
Naperville, IL