Lactating after losing a baby

Four days after the loss of my baby, the most amazing thing happened to my breast, milk started to leak! For some people, this can be traumatizing and relive their baby’s death all over again. But for me, it was a reconnection; a way for me to stay bonding with my baby. My breast are so heavy, they feel like sandbags full of milk. I️ also have to deal with the pain associated with full breast. So I️ found some resources to help.

To Reduce and Stop Your Breast Milk Supply

Keep in mind that the length of time it will take your body to stop lactating is different for everyone. Depending on how far along you were in your pregnancy, you may or may not experience milk letdown or leaking breasts after miscarriage. Your breasts may feel uncomfortably full, but this pressure should naturally lessen after not breastfeeding. To make yourself more comfortable and reduce your supply, here are some steps you can take to stop lactating:

• Avoid touching or stimulating your nipples, as this may cause your breasts to produce more milk.
• Place cold cabbage leaves on your breasts or inside your bra. Cabbage leaves have been reported to help relieve engorgement and tenderness.
• If you need to relieve pressure, stand in a hot shower and allow the water to run over your breasts. You can also sit in a warm bath and lean into the water. Both of these methods will cause milk to leak out. Allowing just a little bit of milk to flow can prevent plugged ducts and infections.
• Apply ice packs or cold compresses to your breasts to relieve swelling and pain.
• Talk to your doctor about taking a pain reliever if needed.

I also thought about helping moms who cannot lactate by donating milk. Maybe I️ can experience healing through milk donation. If you are interested in milk donation, you can reach out to a milk bank near you. Your hospital or healthcare provider might also have more information about donating your milk to a local NICU or milk sharing network.

Remember: every woman experiences the grief of losing a baby differently. Take time. Be gentle with yourself. Reach out to the women around you – you’re not alone.  One in four women experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Chances are, someone close to you knows what you are going through...like me.