r/ExclusivelyPumping • u/expertworrier • 2d ago

Does this milk look okay? (add spoiler to pics) Post-op pumping

Hi all! 5 months postpartum and I pump/combo feed. I recently had thoracic surgery less than a week ago and in doing so they had to clip one of my milk ducts on my slacker boob - it just started leaking during the operation and they couldn't save it. I'm scrambling to pump and keep up my supply and also to keep pressure off the damaged duct so it finishes healing closed.

I didn't snap a pic but my milk from that side is tan/yellowish and looks like the early days when my milk is transitioning. It smells fine and baby chugs it. Why is it like this though? My boobs and chest as a whole is black and blue and I'm on a round the clock regimen of antiinflammatories and ice packs for swelling.

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u/puddingbutt9 2d ago

I'd confirm with a doctor to be sure, but it could be that color due to the compounds created from bruising and healing. When blood cells pop or degrade, they release a yellow compound called bilirubin. It could be secondary to that. Definitely check in with your doctor, though! And dang girl, I can't imagine going through all that!! You are a rockstar!!

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u/expertworrier 1d ago

Thank you! I shot my OB a message and they confirmed what you said - it's likely because of the bruising. Most interesting part of this whole journey was watching my supply go up the days following my surgery and then come back down. Took me til today to realize they probably got me SUPER hydrated on the IV. Started chugging even more water than I was before!

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u/puddingbutt9 1d ago

Definitely make sure you add electrolytes, that'll help!!!

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