If you are reading this after a miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of your baby, we are so very sorry for your loss. This page has some information to support you in the event of possible milk production and outlines all the options available to you including:
· Preventing or stopping milk production using medication
· Naturally stopping milk production
· Starting lactation
· Expressing longer term
· Considering milk donation
You will also find some additional information about organisations and resources that can help you and your family think about options for remembrance and ways to honour your baby, as well as help to find ongoing support.
Will my body make breastmilk after my baby has died?
Your body will naturally start making milk around the 16th week of pregnancy. Following birth, you will experience a change in your hormones that leads to your breasts making milk. Some mothers and parents may find this experience very painful and upsetting, as it reminds them of their loss, and wish to stop producing milk as quickly as possible. Others find making and expressing their milk comforting. This is a very personal, and there is no right or wrong way to feel, or right or wrong decisions.
Whatever decision you make, the right care after a loss will help make your breasts more comfortable and reduce the risk of blocked milk ducts and mastitis (inflammation of the breast tissue).
Is there any medicine I can take to stop producing milk?
Your healthcare team may offer you a medicine called Cabergoline which helps stop the body from producing milk quickly, by stopping the body’s production of prolactin: a hormone that helps to maintain milk supply.
Cabergoline is offered in the form of a tablet that you take by mouth. How much of this medicine you will need to take, and how often, will depend on how soon after giving birth you start taking it.
Talk to your healthcare team if you would like some more information about taking Cabergoline. Like all medicines, there may be side-effects and it may not be suitable for all women.
How can I stop producing milk naturally?
This may take a little longer but there are no side effects with this method.
· Wear a comfortable, supportive bra with breast pads, day and night (sports bras can work well)
· Apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes a few times a day (e.g. cold damp cloths, gel packs or a bag of frozen peas – wrapped) on your breasts.
· Avoid heat on your breasts, for example hot showers or heat packs
· Take pain relief (paracetamol and ibuprofen if able) as directed to relieve any discomfort
How do I stop my body from producing milk if my supply is already established?
It may take several weeks or more for your breasts to stop making milk. It is important that when your breasts fill with milk, you do not express your milk unless you wish to donate or if it’s very uncomfortable/painful. If you don’t empty your breasts, your body will naturally stop producing milk over the coming days and weeks.
Reducing your milk supply slowly will help to avoid discomfort and reduce the risk of your breasts becoming inflamed.
You can do this by:
· Hand expressing a small amount of milk to make you feel more comfortable. Please speak with your healthcare team about hand expression.
· Wearing a well-supporting bra, like a sports bra, day and night.
· Sleeping on your back.
· Using a cold compress a few times a day (see above).
· Avoid using a hot compress.
· Taking paracetamol and if you are able, ibuprofen.
If you experience any pain or have symptoms of a fever, or have any other concerns, speak with your healthcare team.
I want to keep expressing, can I donate my milk?
Some mothers find expressing to donate their milk comforting and that it helps with their grief. However, parental grief is very complex and personal and this may not be a choice for everyone. If you decide you do want to keep expressing, your milk can be used or donated:
· To feed babies who are premature or unwell
· For research, to help us understand more about breastmilk and its benefits.
If you would like to donate your milk, please speak with your healthcare team, and they will answer the questions you have, as well as provide you with a Memory Milk Gift leaflet for more information.
What can I do with my stored milk?
There are different options if you have stored milk that you have previously expressed. You may want to consider donation (see section above on donation).
Mementos and keepsakes: Some families now choose to have a very small amount of their milk made into a memento such as a bead, ring or pendant. There are companies who will do this for you for a small fee.
Where can I go to for support?
There is a whole community of organisations that are here to help and support you and your family. Please see below for contact details, and please be mindful that there are other organisations available to you to those listed below:
- SANDS
- Child Bereavement UK
- Miscarriage Association
- Tommy’s
- Our Sam
- The Milk Bank Chester
- Petals
If you have any questions, please contact the Bereavement Midwife on 01423 557407 or the Infant Feeding Lead Midwife on 01423 555629