The article is professionally consulted by Dr. Hoàng Thị Ánh Tuyết - Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Breast milk has a very distinctive flavor that is unlike any formula milk. Sometimes, some women notice unusual signs related to the taste and color in the nutritious breast milk they provide for their babies. So, what does breast milk taste like, what is its color, and what is considered good breast milk?
1. What does breast milk taste like?
In general, breast milk is considered normal when it characterizes a pleasant smell, mild taste, neither too salty nor too sweet. Especially when the baby is newly born, the breast milk (colostrum) at this stage is very thick and fragrant, and then it gradually becomes thinner. Breast milk is not the same as cow's milk, goat's milk, or any other formula milk. Therefore, it cannot be compared and evaluated as abnormal based on these types of milk.
In fact, the taste of breast milk varies depending on each woman's body, as well as her diet while breastfeeding. The foods that the mother consumes can have a significant impact on the taste of the milk. Sometimes, the milk may taste too salty or too sweet compared to its usual mild taste. If the breast milk has been secreted and stored in the environment, its scent and flavor might also change, becoming fishy, strong, or more sour than when it was first secreted.
2. Factors affecting the taste of breast milk
The difference in the dietary habits of each woman will result in a breast milk taste that is unique to her. The following foods directly affect the original characteristics of breast milk:
- Spices like pepper, chili, garlic: These cause a pungent odor similar to altering the taste of breast milk.
- Canned and processed foods: The high sodium content in these foods makes the milk taste salty.
- Bananas, cereals, and fruits: These are nutritious sources that not only help increase milk supply but also make the milk taste better.
In addition to diet, a woman’s body constitution is another factor that lead to the variety of taste. For example:
- Lipase digestive enzyme: If the mother’s body contains a lot of this enzyme, the expressed milk may have a soapy taste.
- Lactose: This is a component of carbohydrate sugars. When the mother’s body is well-nourished, it results in higher lactose levels in her blood, which makes the milk taste sweeter.
3. What color should breast milk be?
Normally, breast milk is white or slightly yellowish. However, this is not always accurate as the color of breast milk changes over time, during different times of the day and depending on the foods consumed. Depending on the stage, breast milk can change in both composition and color as follows:
- Colostrum: The milk at the end of pregnancy and the first few days after birth. Because colostrum contains a high amount of beta-carotene, breast milk during this time is commonly yellowish or orange.
- Transitional milk: The milk in the next phase after colostrum. At this stage, the quantity of breast milk increases, and the color changes from yellow to white.
- Mature milk: About two weeks after birth, breast milk reaches maturity. The initial milk of the day is usually light green, light blue, or slightly translucent white. However, in subsequent feedings, the milk becomes thicker and turns either white or creamy yellow (hindmilk).
As seen, the color of breast milk that is considered "normal" depends on the different stages. Yellow, white, or light green breast milk are all considered normal if they correspond with the times listed above.
4. Causes of unusual-colored breast milk
If mothers notice that their breast milk has an unusual color, they should try to identify the cause rather than panic.
In addition to the time factor, the color of breast milk can be greatly affected by certain foods, herbs, supplements, or medications. Sometimes, mothers may notice a color change in their milk, but it’s important not to worry excessively. They can consider their recent diet to determine whether the color of the breast milk is normal or if there might be any cause for concern. Specifically:
- Green breast milk: If the mother consumes a lot of dark green vegetables or certain herbs, it is understandable for the milk to appear in green, and it’s ok to breastfeed the baby with it
- Pink, orange, and red breast milk: Similar to the cases above, foods with these colors, such as beets, carrots, gac fruit, fruit juices, and soft drinks, can alter the color of breast milk. There’s no need to stop breastfeeding in these situations.
- Brown or rust-colored breast milk: This is likely due to a small amount of blood mixing with the milk, but it is not harmful to the baby. The milk will usually return to its normal color within a few days. However, if this situation continues for more than a week, it’s advised that the mother ought to visit a hospital for a check-up.
- Separated milk with two colors: This phenomenon happens when the mother expresses milk into a bottle or bag and stores it in the fridge. This is not a sign that the milk has spoiled, so the mother can mix or gently shake the bottle before continuing to feed the baby.
- Yellow breast milk: In addition to the naural yellow color, breast milk may also turn yellow when stored in the freezer.
- Black breast milk: The antibiotic Minocin (minocycline) is believed to be related to this color in breast milk.
Global experts do not recommend the use of antibiotics while breastfeeding. Therefore, mothers should consult a doctor before taking any medication to ensure safety for both mother and child.
Regarding the question of what is considered good breast milk in terms of taste and color, nutritionists believe that the ideal breast milk should be mild in taste, have a refreshing smell, and be yellow or white in color. However, what is considered "good" breast milk also depends on the mother’s diet, the time of day, and her body. Breastfeeding mothers should maintain a balanced diet, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and ensure adequate rest to help increase milk supply. Regardless of its taste or color, breast milk remains the best source of nutrition during a baby's early years. Therefore, it’s recommended to exclusively breastfeed, especially for babies under 6 months old.
For those looking to learn more about infant care, protection, and minimizing the risk of diseases for newborns, mothers can consult the experts at Vinmec International General Hospital. For additional nutritional knowledge and age-appropriate care, parents are encouraged to frequently visit the Vinmec website and make appointments with the hospital’s leading pediatric and nutrition experts for child health consultations.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
