Odor in Breastmilk

From what I remember, your body excretes stinky hormones that help your baby recognize and bond with you. These come out in your breast milk too. I seem to remember something like this happening with me too but don't totally remember what the cause was so if you're concerned, I'd call your OBs nurse. They can tell you right away over the phone if it's something to be concerned about and you definitely won't be the first person to have asked the question so don't feel dumb about calling.

Dear J., I think this is due to your adjusting hormones, it could possibly BO? if so wash well and use natural deoderant, do not drink coffee or caffeine which makes you nervous and sweat more. It is possible to that if this is a newish diet for you that you are cleansing. As long as your baby is fine and you have no pain I would think you are well. good luck

Are you taking any Vitamins??
If you are it could be your vitamins, or it could be in your water. Smell your water, it could have more minerals in it than normal and you just haven't noticed it until you started breat feeding.
It can't hurt yur baby, as garlic helps the immune system.
Good luck and congratulations on your new baby.
I live in Fort Collins, Co and am a Mother of three sons and I have 10 grandchildren.

While nursing I always had enough milk to feed a neighborhood of children. Therefore I always leaked and had to use pads. I found it was the milk on my pads that had an odor if I did not change them every feeding. Could that be it?

Check with your doctor. It could be an infection. It is not uncommon to get it while you're breastfeeding.
A.

hello new mom!
I jope you are getting some good advice.
My first response is to go with your instinct and if you are perplexed but not medically concerned, then reach out to the nursing commuity. Or do both, consult your dr's office nurse and this wonderfull organization called La Leche League.
If you haven't already, please contact the La Leche Leage near you! It is a great way to connect to other moms and families. The League is run by moms, just like you! They welcome your call ANYTIME you need advice. Below is a link I found from a simple web search for you.
There should be multiple meeting to choose from and leaders are always available by phone!!

http://www.freewebs.com/lllofaz/contactinformation.htm

I found a best friend and great support through the LLL in Fort Wayne,IN, when my oldest was expected, 10yrs ago!!
If the generous souls you call are baffled, they are part of an international organization and have all its resources to call upon!
Good luck, A.

My breastmilk has had an odor in the past and it seems to change as the day goes on and is dependent on what I eat. I don't think I would say it smells like garlic though, but I've never really thought about it :)

J.,

It is probably something hormonal and I wouldn't worry about it especially if your babe isn't offended. I know my body smell changed after the birth of both of my kids. It will change over time too as the hormones change. The only time I thought the way I smelled was offensive was after my first child was born (he was a c-section because he was breech). Once all of the drugs they gave me got out of my system, I smelled better.

:-)T.

Hi J.,

Are you taking any medications or vitamins/supplements of any kind?

Have you called your doctor's office at all to speak with them about it? Typically you can leave a message for the nurse or MA and they can help to answer any questions and give you advice and tips on what to do and what to look for. This way you don't have to go to the doctor's office and pay the co-pay for just talking :)

Hope this helps.
M.

I had a baby 2 months ago.. C-Section.. and I am experiencing the same thing. A strange odor. Almost was like cleaning supplies odor. Weird. I know I realized one thing was making it worse..was I was taking a bath with Skin So Soft oil.. It seems a little better now that I am not using the bath oil. It is strange because I didn't deal with this with my first child. My baby doesn't seem to mind so I guess its ok lol

my first gut feeling is that even if you're in a bland diet unless you're making it yourself with no real or ground garlic or onion the food you're eating if it comes with its own condiment... could have it.

another question was whether you use any topical creams (like the ones for nursing). it could be that it's a reaction with the milk or glands.