Lactation after Loss
Date issued: July 2024
Review date: July 2028
Leaflet section: Maternity
PDF: Lactation after Loss.pdf [pdf] 141KB
We are very sorry that your baby has sadly died. One of the most distressing physical symptoms following the death of your baby can be breast pain and the production of breast milk. This leaflet contains information about your breast care choices:
-
Stopping your body producing milk
-
Continuing to express
-
Deciding what to do with milk you have already expressed
Will my body make breastmilk after my baby has died?
Your body will naturally start making milk around the 16th week of pregnancy. After birth your body will undergo hormone changes that lead to breast milk production. The amount of milk produced in the breast will vary from person to person and will reduce naturally over a period of time.
Some mothers find this experience very painful as it reminds them of their loss and may want to stop their milk production as quickly as possible. Others find making and expressing their milk comforting. There is no right or wrong way to feel, or decision to make.
This leaflet explains the options that you have, and your healthcare team can support you to make the best decision for you and answer any questions.
How do I stop my body producing milk?
It may take several weeks for your breasts to stop making milk. It is important that when your breasts fill with milk, you do not express except for comfort. If you do not empty your breasts, your body will stop making milk over the coming days and weeks. If you have been breastfeeding or expressing milk for your baby, it may take longer to stop producing milk.
You will need to reduce your milk supply slowly to avoid discomfort and to reduce the risk of breast engorgement.
Engorgement
Engorgement is when the breasts become swollen, firm and painful. It can happen between 2-5 days after the death of your baby. Your breasts can leak milk and feel uncomfortable for 7-14 days. This can settle on its own. If severely engorged, your breasts can become hard, shiny, warm and slightly lumpy to touch. Breast engorgement helps to suppress the production of breast milk. However, painful breast engorgement is not necessary and can be avoided. You can do this by:
-
Hand expressing some of your milk to make you feel more comfortable. Your healthcare team can help you work out a schedule to slowly reduce your supply over time.
-
Wearing a well supporting bra for example a sports bra, day and night.
-
Sleeping on your back
-
Using a cold compress for 15-20 minutes (avoid using a hot compress)
-
Take regular pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
-
Contact your healthcare team if you are experiencing any pain or have symptoms of a fever.
-
You may be offered a medicine called Cabergoline which prevents/suppresses milk production by blocking the hormone that is secreted to produce milk. Like all medicines, there may be side-effects and it may not be suitable for all mothers.
Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast, which, if left untreated, can develop into a more serious infection. Symptoms include:
-
Red, swollen area on the breast that is hot and painful to touch
-
Breast lump or area of hardness on the breast
-
White or blood-stained nipple discharge
-
Flu-like symptoms including fatigue, chills, fever
If you display any of these symptoms it is recommended that you contact your midwife, health visitor or GP as antibiotic treatment may be required.
Continuing to express
Some parents find that expressing milk for donation can be comforting. Parental grief is very complex and personal and this may not be a choice for everyone. If you decide you want to keep on expressing, you may wish to consider milk donation for it to be used to treat premature and sick babies. (www.ukamb.org)
Deciding what to do with milk you have already expressed
There are different options available if you have milk that you have already expressed, and you may wish to do one or a combination of these:
-
Donate your milk to a milk bank for recipient or research donation
-
Keep a container of milk for a keepsake
-
Use some of your milk to be turned into a keepsake for example breastmilk jewellery (there are companies online who make these for a fee)
-
Ask the hospital to dispose of the milk safely on your behalf if you do not wish to keep or donate it.
The funeral
The time around your baby’s funeral is going to be highly emotional. This unfortunately can affect your milk production and you may experience engorgement even though you thought things were settling down. If possible, sit down and support your breasts with your arm. Let people know not to hug you too hard if your breasts are painful.
Further support
University Hospital Plymouth Specialist Bereavement Midwives:
Kirstie Willis and Jaime Straker
01752 433148 or email plh-tr.bereavementmidwives@nhs.net
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
-
01752 439694
