Witch's milk

Witch's milk or neonatal milk is milk secreted from the breasts of some newborn infants. It is the result of influence by the mother's hormones before birth. Witch's milk is more likely to be secreted by infants born at full term, and not by prematurely-born infants. Breast milk production occurs in about 5% of newborns and can persist for two months though palpable breast buds can persist into childhood.^[1]

There is no treatment necessary; unless redness, tenderness, or fever develop which may be a sign of mastitis and may require antibiotics.^[2] Blood from the nipples is nearly always benign and associated with the normal growth of the ducts not mastitis.^[3] Removing the milk from the breasts can prolong milk production but is considered necessary in some cultures.^[4] While breastfeeding may also contribute to prolonged milk production and breast enlargement temporary or permanent weaning is not recommended.^[2]

In folklore, witch's milk was believed to be a source of nourishment for witches' familiar spirits.^[5] It was thought to be stolen from unwatched, sleeping infants. In other cultures milking the infant's breasts is supposed to contribute to shapely breasts in adulthood.^[2]

See also

• Galactorrhea

References

1. ^ "'Witch's milk'. Galactorrhea in the newborn". http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/140/3/252. Retrieved on 2008-03-09. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} "'Breast Problems". http://www.eapsa.org/parents/resources/breast_disorders.cfm. Retrieved on 2009-01-05. 
3. ^ "'Breast Problems". http://www.eapsa.org/parents/resources/breast_disorders.cfm. Retrieved on 2009-01-05. 
4. ^ "'A MALE INFANT WITH GYNECOMASTIA-GALACTORRHEA". http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0022-3476/PIIS0022347605005822.pdf. Retrieved on 2009-01-05. 
5. ^ Potts, Malcolm (1999). Ever Since Adam and Eve: The Evolution of Human Sexuality. p. 145. ISBN 0521644046. 

External links

• 'Witch's milk'. Galactorrhea in the newborn
• http://www.eapsa.org/parents/resources/breast_disorders.cfm
• http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/breasthealth/common_breast_conditions/gynecomastia_male.htm
• http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0022-3476/PIIS0022347605005822.pdf

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