Galactorrhea of the newborn (neonatal milk or witchs milk) occurs in about 5% of neonates and in both sexes.

1,2 The term witchs milk comes

from ancient folklore that fluid leaking from a newborns nipple was a source of nourishment for witches familiar spirits.3 Galactorrhea is the
result of the influence of the mothers hormones on the baby before birth.2 The mothers hormones can persist in the neonates body for
weeks. Up to 2% of infants secrete milk until 2 months of age.1Infants with galactorrhea have significantly larger breast nodules than infants
without galactorrhea. Galactorrhea is more likely to be seen in infants who are nursed and is relatively uncommon in premature infants.

The condition usually resolves spontaneously within a few months. No treatment is necessary unless the area becomes red or tender.
Discourage massage or manipulation of the breast tissue because it may force bacteria into the milk glands, which can lead to mastitis.4,5

This infants mother was reassured about the benign nature of the condition and encouraged to continue nursing. She was also cautioned
against massaging or unnecessarily manipulating the breast tissue.

Galactorrhea sometimes occurs in newborns. High maternal estrogen levels cross the placenta into the baby's blood. This can cause
enlargement of the baby's breast tissue, which may be associated with a milky nipple discharge.