“Amazing isn’t it?! Yes, your milk may turn red, it may be infected, and it may look completely different from each breast … however it is still 100 percent safe (and awesome) for your baby!” Nagle wrote. “Do not stop breastfeeding from the affected side. If you have a clogged duct or mastitis it’s important to keep breastfeeding frequently, apply heat and massage. If you are exclusively pumping then try to pump at least every couple of hours and massage, massage, massage. And don’t be scared of how your milk looks!” Many moms were quick to point out that it only takes a small amount of blood to dilute breast milk to such a vibrant hue, and the first thing you’re supposed to do if you feel a blocked duct is actually to keep breastfeeding — even if it seems gross. According to the international breastfeeding organization La Leche League, “Antibodies in your milk will help protect your baby from any infection. Weaning from the affected breast is likely to make matters worse.” “Your commitment to breastfeeding your baby can be truly tested at times like this when putting your baby to the breast may be the last thing you feel like doing,” it says on La Leche League’s website. “However, continuing to breastfeed frequently is part of the solution and stopping suddenly is likely to make the problem a great deal worse.”
