Re: [ozmidwifery] lactation /stillbirth

[Sandra J. Eales]

Jan I know that the  traditional wisdom is that lactation should be suppressed as quickly as possible. I think this attitude comes from the traditional difficulty doctors and midwives have in dealing with the emotions surrounding stillbirth or death of child after birth.  The need to "fix" it and to remove all outward sign of the sad event. I don't think this is necessarily the best thing for the greiving mother though I do not have any first hand experience.  My intuition says that treating the breasts kindly in this time would actually be more beneficial to the mother in coping with her grief.  The "breasts should be allowed to weep". Most of the science available in this area (ie suppression of lactation) suggest that prolonged weaning is more benficial for the physiology of the breasts than an abrupt cessation.  Whilst I have not seen a lot of research specifically related to lactation supression after the loss of child my intuition is that it is probably better for the psychology as well if the process is allowed to be more gradual.  I think that breast massage and or gentle expression to relieve the pain and tension in them would be more therapeutic than the hands off advice generally given.  Her milk will dry up when there is no baby there to sustain it and we should be giving the usual advice for prevention of blocked ducts and mastitis.ie non constrictive clothing, cabbage leaves, cold compresses etc   Regards   Sandra Eales IBCLC and Midwife   Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2002 10:30 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] lactation /stillbirth Advice appreciated Apart from firm support cold packs ice/cabbage leaves sage tea and no stimulation of breasts .Has anyone ant ideas to mimimize lactation in a term mother of stillborn baby. regards Jan