You may be surprised by all the unique and often alarming physical characteristics of your newborn, such as acne and purple, wrinkled fingers and toes. Hormones can cause a baby's nipples and genitals to enlarge and even have milky discharge. Generally, swollen nipples in newborns are normal, but infections do occur. If you are worried about your baby's breasts, talk to your pediatrician.
General Newborn Appearance
Breast enlargement, often called "breast buds," is a normal response to the hormones prolactin and estrogen that are created by the mother's body. According to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, the mother's hormones cross through the placenta to her baby and can cause breast tissue to form. Generally, swollen breasts and nipples will flatten within a few months after birth. Lumps can also form under the breasts. If the lumps do not disappear after a few months, consult your pediatrician.
Galactorrhea
It is not uncommon for newborn infants to have a milky discharge with their swollen nipples, according to the Mayo Clinic. Maternal estrogen, the same chemical that causes breast enlargement in infants, is responsible for creating real milk in the infant. Milky discharge, or galactorrhea, will go away on its own, so there is no need to seek treatment or attempt to squeeze milk from the breasts. In fact, massaging the infant's breasts to drain the milk could cause an infection.
Breast Infections
Babies also can get breast infections, or mastitis, which can cause swollen breasts, according to the American Pediatric Surgical Association. Mastitis is also accompanied by fever and swelling in one breast more than the other. Breast infections, even in infants, are treatable. If you are afraid your baby has mastitis, contact your pediatrician.
Bleeding Nipples
According to the American Pediatric Surgical Association, an infant's nipples also may bleed. While rare, this is usually not a sign of a serious condition. Generally, it is often a symptom of growing and changing milk ducts and will resolve itself. If you notice a bloody discharge coming from your baby's swollen nipples that does not go away within a few months, call your child's doctor.
