World Breastfeeding Week: How To Care For Your Breasts When The Baby Dies?

The most difficult thing a mother has to deal with is grief from losing her baby. It can take a very serious toll on the mothers physical and mental health, especially since she is also dealing with postpartum blues. Amidst all this, she also has to take extra care of her breasts.

07 Aug, 2023

Kinkini Gupta

Breast Care For Mothers

During pregnancy, a woman's body prepares to care for the new born child. After the delivery, a mother is supposed to start nursing her child. But, when the child dies, this becomes impossible. However, there are techniques recommended by doctors to care for their breasts in such scenarios.

Source: Thehealthsite

Milk Secretion Does Not stop if the baby dies

Even after the baby's death, a mothers breasts will make milk. The milk needs to be drained or it can lead to blocked milk ducts and mastitis along with other uncomfortable health problems.

Source: Thehealthsite

how to manage lactation

The choice of how to manage your lactation and deciding whether to donate your milk is a personal decision.

Source: Thehealthsite

Here are 6 ways mothers can care for their breasts

Mothers should wear a comfortable, supportive bra with breast pads, day and night.

Source: Thehealthsite

apply cold packs

Apply wrapped cold packs (gel packs or a bag of frozen peas) or icy chilled washers directly on your breasts. Cold packs need to be changed frequently so at least 3 packs will be needed.

Source: Thehealthsite

avoid heat

Avoid heat on your breasts, for example hot showers or heat packs.

Source: Thehealthsite

take recommended medications

Mothers can take mild medications as recommended by a doctor for pain relief.

Source: Thehealthsite

Express the milk

Express enough milk to relieve fullness and keep breasts comfortable.

Source: Thehealthsite

Conclusion

It may be necessary to continue expressing to relieve fullness for several days. Expressing will help prevent the pain of sudden engorgement or mastitis.

Source: Thehealthsite

Thanks For Reading!

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