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Miscarriage/Pregnancy Loss
mrslittlemac
member
Probably a weird question, post miscarriage
mrslittlemac
member
Soo. After just shy of 11 weeks gestation, I miscarried naturally exactly a week ago. It was traumatic and terrible and while I thought I was prepared, it was absolutely devastating.
However... several days later, I have started lactating. I was not even aware that such a thing could happen at this stage, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. I know that I don't want it to dry up yet. I know it's hormonally driven, I know there probably isn't enough built up in my system to sustain it. But I really want to increase the supply so I can donate it. I want to help another mother, somewhere, not have to go through such heartache. There are pretty extensive studies and stories of breastmilk saving premature and FTT babies. I feel like this way my loss won't be absolute, at least SOMETHING good will come out of it all. Our town happens to have a milk bank that serves a region of four states, so the opportunity and need is there... but I feel a little out of my head. To me this is a good opportunity to honor my first child. I guess I just needed to post this here as a... I don't know. I need to know I haven't gone completely crazy in this grief. I need to know that this is a rational response to a situation I never thought to plan for. What are your thoughts?
However... several days later, I have started lactating. I was not even aware that such a thing could happen at this stage, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. I know that I don't want it to dry up yet. I know it's hormonally driven, I know there probably isn't enough built up in my system to sustain it. But I really want to increase the supply so I can donate it. I want to help another mother, somewhere, not have to go through such heartache. There are pretty extensive studies and stories of breastmilk saving premature and FTT babies. I feel like this way my loss won't be absolute, at least SOMETHING good will come out of it all. Our town happens to have a milk bank that serves a region of four states, so the opportunity and need is there... but I feel a little out of my head. To me this is a good opportunity to honor my first child. I guess I just needed to post this here as a... I don't know. I need to know I haven't gone completely crazy in this grief. I need to know that this is a rational response to a situation I never thought to plan for. What are your thoughts?
Re: Probably a weird question, post miscarriage
I actually just read this article the other day, might help you:
https://www.today.com/kindness/woman-donates-92-gallons-breast-milk-stillborn-sons-honor-t59821
Donating breast milk is a beautiful way to honour your baby, and if you are able (physically and emotionally) I think it's a fantastic idea. If recommend contacting your local La Leche League or a liscenced LC for help with your supply. Women who have adopted children are sometimes able to begin lactating and produce enough milk to feed the baby with some support, so it's definitely possible for you.