P R E G N A N C Y & I N F A N T L O S S S U P P O R T C E N T R E L A C T A T I O N A F T E R L O S S Lactation after Loss Following a miscarriage, stillbirth or premature delivery, many people are surprised when their milk comes shortly after delivery. The onset of milk supply can be traumatizing for anyone who is grieving their baby. There are a few options on what you may do with your milk supply. The choice is yours – there is no wrong or right choice. Do what feels best for you. Suppressing Milk Supply If you would like your milk supply to decrease or stop, it is important to limit pumping and hand expression to comfort measures only. In doing so, your body will naturally stop producing milk. While your body begins to suppress its supply, you may feel some discomfort and you may leak milk. Nursing pads will help absorb excess milk. Wear a bra that is comfortable and supportive. Take warm showers, allowing your breasts to leak (without expressing). This will help to relieve some discomfort. Place ice packs or a cold, wet cloth on your breasts for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day. P a g e 1 This material cannot be copied in whole or in part without the express written permission of the copyright owner P R E G N A N C Y & I N F A N T L O S S S U P P O R T C E N T R E L A C T A T I O N A F T E R L O S S Donating Breast Milk Some Birthing parents find it a healing experience to donate their breast milk. A Birthing parent may donate their milk for many reasons: Provides them with a routine and a ritual They want to help babies in need in memory of theirs They want to leave a legacy for their baby If you are wanting to donate breast milk, you can reach out to a breast milk bank near you. Calgary location Northern Star Milk Bank Another option within Alberta to share breast milk is the Human Milk 4 Human Babies - Alberta Memorializing your Breast Milk Birthing parents may want to keep their Breast Milk in remembrance of their baby. Breastmilk Jewelry offers parents the opportunity to turn their milk into rings, earrings or necklaces. The Milky Fern is able to accommodate orders from across Canada and the United States. P a g e 2 This material cannot be copied in whole or in part without the express written permission of the copyright owner.