Why Is My Breast Milk Yellowish Now That I'm Discontinuing Breastfeeding?
When you decide it is time to stop breastfeeding your baby or toddler, your body begins to stop producing milk. This process does not happen overnight, however. Instead, as your child nurses less frequently -- and then stops -- your milk production slows down. During this process, you might notice that your milk changing in color and consistency. Yellow milk is usually a part of this weaning process and generally not a cause for concern.
Breast milk in a bottle and in a freezer bag. (Image: Reptile8488/iStock/Getty Images)Yellow Milk
During the weaning process, your milk will change in color and consistency as your body slows down its milk production. You might notice that your milk is yellow and similar to the colostrum that you first produced in the first few days of your baby's life before your milk came in. This yellow milk might be thicker than the normal white milk that you are used to producing.
Other Milk Changes
Your yellow milk is one of many changes that will take place as you discontinue breastfeeding. The composition of the milk changes as you wean -- the levels of antibodies are higher to give your child more protection as he breastfeeds less and less, according to Pregnancy.org. In addition, you can expect your yellow milk to turn into a thick, sticky, clear fluid as your milk production halts.
Breast Changes
Your body will undergo other changes as you wean. It is possible that your breasts will slow down and stop milk production at different rates. This can result in one breast being fuller and larger than the other. You might notice your weaning child favoring one breast, the one that is producing more milk. Different supply amounts in different breasts is normal during weaning.
Yellow Discharge
It is important to distinguish between yellow milk and a yellowish discharge coming from your breasts. While yellow milk is a common occurrence during weaning, yellow discharge requires medical attention. Lactation consultation Kelly Bonyata from KellyMom.com explains that this yellowish discharge usually stems from benign lesions on the breast. Contact your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
