Rusty Pipe Syndrome: A Benign Cause of Altered Breast Milk Color in Lactating Mothers

Abstract

Altered breast milk color or a frank bloody discharge in a lactating mother calls for anxiety and cessation of breast feeding to the neonate. Etiology constitutes multitude of benign and malignant causes. Here we present a case of term neonate born to a primigravida mother by vaginal delivery with mother complaining of altered breast milk color on first couple of days of lactation. Mother was apprehensive to feed her milk to the baby. Local breast examination of mother was normal and breast ultrasound did not reveal any benign or malignant lesions. Breast feeding was continued after proper counselling of mother and the family members about the benign nature of her breast discharge. Mother’s milk production increased by day 2 and 3 and altered color of breast milk decreased gradually and cleared completely by day 4. After ruling out other benign and malignant causes, Rusty pipe syndrome was kept as the diagnosis. Rusty pipe syndrome is a common but under reported benign condition causing bloody or rusty colored breast discharge in Primi lactating mothers in the initial few days after delivery. Careful local breast examination and ultrasound imaging is required to rule out other causes; if the bloody discharge persists for more than a week, further investigation is warranted. A good lactational counselling and continued breastfeeding is required to alleviate the anxiety in the lactating mothers.