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Understanding Lactation After Loss
From as early as 16 weeks, your body is already preparing to feed your baby by making colostrum (first milk). After a loss, whether it’s a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, your body still goes through hormonal changes. These changes can signal your breasts to make milk if the loss happens after 20 weeks or post-delivery.The sudden drop in progesterone after birth signals your body to start making milk, a process called lactogenesis II. Due to this, your breasts may become engorged, swollen, and painful. The amount of discomfort you feel and how long it lasts is different for everyone. After an early miscarriage, your milk may not come in at all. But after a later loss, your breasts may become quite full and painful. It really depends on how your body responds.
How to Stop Breast Milk Production After Pregnancy Loss
The goal is to reduce stimulation, because every time you express milk, your body thinks it needs to keep making more. These are some safe ways to suppress lactation:- Wear a supportive bra: Wear a well-fitted sports bra day and night to reduce stimulation. Avoid tight binding, as it might lead to pain or blocked ducts. Choose nursing pads that are reusable and made from organic cotton or bamboo.
- Apply cool compresses: Placing cool packs on your breasts can reduce swelling and ease pain. Change the pack every few hours and avoid leaving it on for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Use pain relief: Over-the-counter medications can help manage discomfort. But always check with your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you.
- Try herbal remedies: Drinking sage tea or using peppermint oil topically (only after breastfeeding has fully stopped) may naturally reduce milk supply.
- Limit expression: If your breasts feel too full and painful, you can hand-express or pump just enough milk to relieve pressure. Do this only when absolutely needed because frequent expression signals your body to keep producing more milk. Most people find their breasts return to normal within about two weeks if stimulation is minimised.
- Consider medication: In some cases, your doctor might prescribe a medication to reduce milk production.
Managing Complications During Lactation Suppression
As you work on breast milk suppression, keep an eye out for issues like blocked ducts or mastitis. Symptoms to look out for include:- Red, warm, or swollen breasts
- A fever over 101°F
- Body aches or flu-like symptoms
- Painful lumps in the breast
Emotional Impact of Suppressing Lactation After Pregnancy Loss
Lactation after loss can stir up complex emotions, as it’s a physical reminder of your baby who isn’t here. You might feel sadness, anger, or even frustration in the process, and all of these feelings are valid. Some people find it overwhelming to see their milk come in, while others feel a connection to their baby through it. There’s no right or wrong way to feel, and it’s fine to take your time to process everything.Alternative Options: Milk Donation and Keepsakes
Breast milk suppression isn’t the only path. Expressing milk can be a way to honour your baby and find meaning in your grief. These are two meaningful options:- Milk donation: Donating your milk to a milk bank can help premature or unwell babies who need it. This can feel like a way to create a positive legacy for your baby. If you choose this, start pumping gently (10 to 15 minutes per breast) and gradually reduce as your supply decreases to avoid discomfort. Contact a local milk bank or hospital for screening and donation details.
- Creating keepsakes: Some individuals choose to express milk and turn it into jewellery or other memorial items. It can be a way to feel a lasting connection with your baby. You can find kits to make these yourself or companies that create them for you. Lately, a lot of small businesses on social media have started offering this, as it has become a popular way to remember a baby.
Physical Recovery Tips
Taking care of your body after a pregnancy loss is also crucial:- Rest as much as you can to support healing.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fluids like water, coconut water, or juices.
- Avoid tight or underwire bras, as they can increase the risk of issues like mastitis.
- Manage abdominal pain or cramps by checking with your doctor for safe relief options.
- Schedule a check-up 8 to 12 weeks after delivery to make sure your body is recovering well.
- Seek medical help immediately if you notice heavy bleeding or any concerning symptoms.
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FAQs on How to Stop Breast Milk Production After Losing a Baby?
- Can pumping or expressing milk help stop lactation?
No, expressing milk signals your body to make more, so it may prolong lactation. - How to stop breast milk production after a miscarriage?
You can reduce milk by avoiding breast stimulation, wearing a firm bra, and using cold compresses. Your doctor may prescribe medicine if needed.
