Newborn Girls With Breasts: Is This Normal?

It is normal for newborn babies, both girls and boys, to have mild or swollen breasts and/or lumps under the nipple. This is due to exposure to maternal hormones in the womb, which can cause the baby's breasts to swell and milk glands to be stimulated. These lumps and enlarged breasts may be noticeable at birth and can continue to grow for a while after birth.

Breast buds are normal in newborns

It is perfectly normal for newborn babies, both girls and boys, to have swollen breasts or breast buds. This usually occurs during the first week of life and can even be noticeable at birth. The nipple area is always firm.

Causes

The presence of breast buds in newborns is caused by the passage of the mother's hormones across the placenta. These hormones cause the mother's breasts to swell and milk glands to be stimulated, and they can have the same effect on the baby.

Duration

The swollen breasts can last for 2 to 4 weeks, and in breastfed babies, some breast swelling can persist for up to 6 months. The breast tissue will gradually shrink and become quite flat over time.

Precautions

It is important to never squeeze or massage the breasts or nipples, as this can cause a serious infection that requires antibiotic treatment. If you notice any redness, red streaks, tenderness, or discharge, or if the swelling lasts more than 6 months, consult your doctor.

Swelling and lumps are caused by exposure to maternal hormones

It is perfectly normal for newborn girls to have breasts or lumps under their nipples. This is due to exposure to maternal hormones in the womb. During pregnancy, hormones from the mother, known as maternal hormones, pass through the placenta into the baby's bloodstream. One such hormone is estrogen, which is responsible for breast enlargement in the mother. The high levels of estrogen produced by pregnant women can also cause breast swelling in newborn girls as early as the third day after birth.

Maternal hormones can affect the baby's breasts in a similar way to the mother's, leading to mild swelling or lumps. In some cases, the lumps may continue to grow for a short period after birth. If squeezed, these lumps may even express small amounts of real breast milk. However, this is not a cause for concern, as the breast tissue will gradually shrink over time, typically within the first two weeks after birth. It is important not to squeeze or massage the newborn's breasts, as this can lead to a skin infection known as an abscess.

The presence of maternal hormones can also cause fluid leakage from the infant's nipples, known as "witch's milk." This discharge is typically mild and will disappear within two weeks. It is a common occurrence and should not be a cause for alarm.

In addition to breast changes, newborn girls may experience temporary alterations in the vaginal area. The labia, or skin tissue around the vagina, may appear puffy due to estrogen exposure. There may also be a white fluid discharge, known as physiologic leukorrhea, and, in some cases, a small amount of bleeding. These changes are expected to subside gradually over the first two months of the newborn's life.

Milky discharge from the nipples is normal

It is normal for newborn babies of both sexes to have swollen breasts and/or lumps under the nipple. This is due to exposure to maternal hormones in the womb, which can cause the baby's breasts to swell and milk glands to be stimulated. The swollen breasts and milky discharge, known as "witch's milk", may last for a few weeks after birth and sometimes longer in breastfed babies.

It is important to never squeeze or massage the breast or nipple, as this can cause a serious infection that requires antibiotic treatment. If you notice any redness or red streaks, tenderness, or if the discharge is smelly or bloody, contact your baby's doctor.

The presence of swollen breasts and milky discharge in newborns is a medically recognised condition called neonatal galactorrhoea. It typically goes away on its own and does not require any treatment. In rare cases, it could be a sign of thyroid problems, certain medications, or, in extremely rare cases, cancer. If you have any concerns or notice any worrying symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your paediatrician.

In summary, milky discharge from the nipples is normal in newborn girls and is caused by the passage of maternal hormones during pregnancy. This condition usually resolves on its own within a few weeks and rarely requires medical intervention. However, it is important to monitor the area for any signs of infection and to avoid squeezing or massaging the breasts to prevent potential complications.

Do not massage or squeeze newborn breasts

It is normal for newborn babies of both sexes to have swollen breasts or lumps under the nipple. This is due to exposure to maternal hormones in the womb, which stimulate the baby's breasts in the same way they do the mother's. This swelling can last for a few weeks or even months, and will eventually go away on its own.

It is important to not massage or squeeze newborn breasts. Squeezing the breast tissue or trying to remove fluid can cause irritation or injury to the breast tissue, and could lead to a serious infection that requires antibiotic treatment. If you are giving your baby a massage, take special care around this area.

If you notice any worrying symptoms, such as redness or red streaks, tenderness, a smelly or bloody discharge, or if the swelling continues beyond two months, contact your baby's doctor.

When to call the doctor

It is normal for newborn babies of both sexes to have swollen breasts or lumps under the nipple. This is due to exposure to maternal hormones in the womb. However, if you are concerned about your newborn's health, it is always best to call your doctor.

• If the breasts look infected (i.e., they are swollen, red, tender, or have a discharge) and the baby has a fever, call your doctor to check if an infection has set in.
• If the swelling lasts more than 6 months, or milk leakage lasts more than 2 months, contact your doctor.
• If you notice any signs of illness in your newborn, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, seizures, or listlessness, call your doctor immediately.
• If your baby refuses to feed for multiple feedings in a row, has diarrhea and vomits more than usual, or has a cold that is not improving or is getting worse, call your doctor.
• If your baby shows signs of dehydration, such as a decreased number of wet diapers (should be 6-8 per day), an absence of tears when crying, sunken eyes, or a sunken soft spot on the head, call your doctor.
• If your baby will not stop crying, is sleeping more than usual, or will not wake up, contact your doctor.
• If your baby has any type of poisoning, bleeding that you cannot stop, or is unable to move, call your doctor or take them to the doctor as soon as possible.
• If your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or has yellow skin or eyes, seek medical attention.

Frequently asked questions