DONATE AFTER A LOSS

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Please accept my deepest sympathies during this difficult time. Knowing that you are reading this means that you have suffered a loss. A loss so great that there are no words. I am here to support you in anyway that I can and I commend you for considering milk donation during this difficult time and hope that you, too, will also find healing.  

I also understand that at this time, you may want to do everything you can to stop milk production as quickly as possible. I honor your either decision you make. As with all aspects of grieving, there is no right or wrong answer about what to do. 

You may have already begun expressing and storing your milk. Milk expressed either by hand or with the help of a pump can be refrigerated, then stored in the freezer until donation. Expressing your milk can occur for as long as you want and may be donated in honor of your baby. Any amount of human milk will be accepted for donation.

If you prefer to stop your milk production, there are safe ways to do so. Some helpful tips:

• Don’t bind your breasts/chest. Binding may cause plugged ducts and infection.
• Cabbage leaf compresses are an easy home remedy proven to reduce engorgement and dry up milk supply.
• Don’t be afraid to relieve discomfort by expressing some milk. Express just enough to soften your breasts/chest, but not enough to empty them completely.

If you have additional questions about suppressing, expressing, storing, or donating your milk, contact your lactation consultant/specialist or myself. Also, Kelly Mom has some resourceful links about Lactation After the Loss of a Baby.