It seems to me that it's possible that artificially drying the milk my also
be short-circuiting the grieving process. Could it be that the leaking of
the milk may be a component to the grief--the body's way of weeping, if you
will? Because of that, I usually suggest comfort measure--cabbage leaves,
warm
showers etc., while still allowing their breasts to naturally "weep" and
involute. Alternatively, a few mothers want to donate their milk. I knew
one who donated for about 6 months. It gives meaning to their baby's life
and death.
***
The reason Parlodel (bromocriptine) is no longer used to dry
up for non-nursing moms is because of the risk for serious complications
such as stroke! I understand that for many moms that took it, it didn't
prevent breast fullness, but only delayed it. I think the concern in
cases of pregnancy loss is not wanting the mom to "feel bad" when her
milk comes in and she is reminded of her loss. As if she needed
anything to remind her! For some, lactogenesis may be an affirmation
that her body CAN work correctly. I think the pallative measures such
as round the clock cabbage leaves, analgesics, and perhaps minimal milk
removal to alleviate the "pressure buildup" are the appropriate
treatment of the physical discomfort.
***
Nature will take care of it comfortably if the only milk removal is what's
necessary for comfort, and less and less each day. Better not to do it cold
turkey to lower risk of
complications (mastitis, etc., etc.)
I do remember there was an excellent article in JHL, I think possibly in
spring '99 on the process that has actually helped some mothers work
through their grief by donating to a milk bank for a while.
In the meantime, there has been a spate of letters in our local paper
about the issue proposed by a state senator that women who contemplate
abortion should be warned it raises their risk for breast cancer.
Someone else pointed out that the risks are the same for someone who has
a miscarriage or ectopic because of the hormonal events got interrupted.
And of course, moms who bottlefeed from the get-go have a higher risk. So
all in all, even though some would not think of donating milk, it might
even have a good physical effect on the mother, as well as an emotional
value, if she really felt she was somehow helping some other sick babies.
***
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
***
Look in the archives on the use of sage. I have had several nonbf mothers
using it in a capsule form and seemed to work fine.
***
PMS--- pepermint and sage I cant remember mint dose but sage was 3 caps tid
Cabbage leaves to both breasts cont, changing every 1-3 hours, including
thru night
Birth control pill NOT recommended due to high risk of clots (?) in
immediate
postpartum period
***
http://www.bflrc.com/ljs/breastfeeding/dryupfst.htm
***
http://www.thebestfedbaby.com/anne/lactation_supression.htm
***
http://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/html/lactation_suppression.htm
***
http://www.geocities.com/sands_tas/milk.html
***
***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|
