Just an addition re blood from breast and pumping...I saw a mom recently who
had reported blood while pumping and I noted both nipples to have 2cm x 1cm
cracks (abrasions, more accurately) midline on "face of nipple (as opposed to
sides, top, near areola or bottom-underside where rubbing on flange could
occur).  Baby was not breastfeeding, so damage came from pump.  She was using
hospital-grade double electric and with questioning it was determined that
she had been "dry pumping" several times the previous day; she'd pump an
extra 5-10 min. after milk flow ceased.  I explained how negative pressure
builds with no milk flow to provide pos. pressure and to stop pumping when
intermittent drops occur.  It was also noted that suction was on low.
Besides making sure her nipple was centered in flange (no blood noted with
observed pumping) this was all I came up with as cause for nipple damage and
blood.  With proper pumping, no further incidence of blood in milk.

Barbara Latterner, BSN,RN,IBCLC
[log in to unmask]
Brewster, NY

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