Weaning Breast Milk Production after the Loss of a Child

The staff of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) extends our deepest sympathy for your loss. We would like to offer our support to you during this difficult time. This information will help you with weaning your milk supply.

Instructions for weaning milk supply:

Your breasts began to produce milk during pregnancy. After giving birth, your body releases hormones that cause your breasts to fill with milk. This process starts a few days after giving birth. Pumping removes the milk. Your breasts will refill with milk.

If you suddenly stop pumping, your breasts may become firm and uncomfortable. You may develop flu-like symptoms. To avoid this, it is best to gradually decrease pumping. This process may take 1-2 weeks, depending on the size of your milk supply.

There are several ways to gradually reduce your milk supply:

  • Decrease the length of time you pump at each session.

  • Increase the number of hours between each pump session.

  • As your breasts adjust and produce less milk, they will start to feel softer. At this time, only pump as needed to relieve the pressure.

Decreasing discomfort

  • Ice packs can help to reduce swelling and discomfort.

  • Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken for a few days.

  • For comfort, wear a supportive bra. Do not bind your breasts with wraps. This could cause clogged milk ducts or a breast infection.

  • Avoid breast stimulation. This may cause milk production to continue. Handle breasts gently.

  • Drink to thirst.  Restricting fluids will not stop milk production.

  • Taking the following might be helpful in reducing milk production:

    • Sage, parsley and peppermint

    • 200 mg vitamin B6 three times per day for 7 days

    • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) as tolerated for 2-3 days

Call your healthcare team with questions, concerns or if you think you are developing a breast infection. This is called mastitis. Symptoms include:

  • Pain, tenderness, or warmth on breasts

  • A sore, red area on the breast

  • Fever, joint aches, chills, sleepiness

What to do with your milk

Many mothers have found it helpful during the grieving process to donate their milk to infants in need. You can donate your milk to a milk bank. A milk bank is an approved center that will process your milk so it can be given to another infant. CHOP has an approved milk bank on the 2nd floor of the Main Hospital. It is called the CHOP Mothers’ Milk Bank. This is where you will bring your donated milk.

To become a donor, please do the following:  

  1. Call the Mother’s Milk Bank at 267-425-1662. Your nurse or Social Worker can also contact the milk bank for you. A coordinator will contact you in person, by phone, or email to discuss the process.

  2. Complete the donor questionnaire form. This form asks questions regarding your medical history. If you are a candidate, you move to the next step.

  3. Complete the required blood tests. Testing is available at CHOP Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. The laboratory is on the 1st Floor of the Buerger Building. There is no cost for the blood tests.

  4. If you would like to continue to donate milk, you can discuss this with the coordinator.

If you choose not to donate your milk, please let us know what you would like to do with it. You may still take it home with you or we can discard it.

If there is anything we can do to help you through this process, please let us know. If you have questions, concerns or are experiencing pain, ask to speak to a provider who specializes in lactation support.

 

Reviewed July 2024 by Rachelle Lessen, MS, RDN, LDN, IBCLC and Meghan Devine RN, BSN, IBCLC