Following is some information on suppressing your milk supply. It would be
so much easier if our bodies knew when a baby has died.
1 - ice packs, bags of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel, or chilled or
room temperature green cabbage leaves (inner, clean leaves; "It has been
reported that cabbage inhibits milk production as well as relieves
engorgement" - 18 hours to complete suppression in one case.)
- The clean, inner leaves of a head of green cabbage can be applied between
feedings for several feedings. The leaves should be changed at least every
two hours or when they wilt. Mothers should know that there may be some
smell of cooked cabbage if they choose this treatment method. They should
also know that overuse of cabbage leaves can lead to a reduction in milk
supply according to some reports. Cabbage leaves should be used only until
the swelling goes down and should be discontinued if a skin rash or other
signs of allergy appear.
2 - If a nursing mother is very uncomfortable, suggest that she sit in a
warm bath and lean over into the water, allowing the milk to leak out. She
could also stroke her breasts from the chest wall out toward the nipple to
encourage milk to flow. If she prefers, a warm shower may also serve this
purpose. Expressing or pumping a little milk - just enough to relieve the
fullness, even if it is only a few drops - can also help her feel more
comfortable. These measures will not increase her milk supply and may help
to prevent health complications like mastitis. Breast tissue is fragile when
engorged and can bruise easily. For this reason, gentleness should also be
emphasized when recommending massage of the breast during this time. **the
hard spots you have are plugged ducts and need to be unblocked to prevent a
local or systemic infection and damage to the ducts. Gentle massage from
behind the areas and milk expression is needed. If you cannot express any
milk and your lumps are still there tomorrow you need a breastpump. you can
rent an effective pump from a lactation consultant for a few dollars a day.
- The goals of treatment for engorgement are to reduce vascular and
lymphatic congestion and remove milk from the breasts. Use of a breast pump
is sometimes discouraged due to a fear of engorgement reoccurring, but it
can be part of an effective treatment plan. For a breast pump to assist in
the treatment of engorgement, it must effectively and gently remove milk. An
automatic cycling breast pump with adjustable suction levels is most
effective.
3 - pain and anti-inflammatory medications (herbal, homeopathic or medical)
4 - Binding the breasts is not recommended although a supportive bra may be
worn if mother is comfortable. Some women prefer a "sports bra" for support
during engorgement. Mothers should NOT limit fluid intake to reduce
engorgement as adequate fluid intake is needed in the postpartum period to
avoid urinary tract infections and constipation.
5 - Sage (Salvia officinalis) is noted in lactation and herbal texts alike
as having a folk reputation for lowering milk supply (Bissett 1994, Riordan:
and Auerbach 1993). Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and parsley (Petroselinum
crispum) are viewed by some traditional herbalists to lower milk supply,
especially if the oil is taken internally in therapeutic doses (Ody 1994).
Also see:
When the Worst Happens: Helping a Mother Who Has Lost a Baby
http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVFebMar00p6.html
Michelle Bentley, CLE
----- Original Message -----
> I have been asked to speak at a staff meeting on ...infant
loss/bereavement and
> breastfeeding. Ann Marie Henninger, RN, BSN, IBCLC candidate 2002
>
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