Donating breastmilk after stillbirth

[Jadem1409]

Hi,
I am not really sure where to post this. I lost my son Arlo on the 3rd of this month. He was stillborn at 38 weeks. When I came round 12 hours after his birth I was given a tablet to stop my milk. However today after 14 days of wishing I hadn’t taken the medication so I could express and donate, I started leaking colostrum!!! It was only a small amount (I leaked ALOT from 20 weeks), now I am over the shock of it happening. I would love to donate Arlo’s milk in his memory and help sick babies. How and would I be able to up my supply now? Or is this just a one of cruel joke my boobs are playing. Any advice would be appreciated xx

[Malibucyprus]

Hi,

I'm so sorry for your loss OP for you.

I don't know have any advice to offer regarding your breast milk, but I just wanted to say that it's a wonderful thought. Both of my babies were born prematurely, the youngest @ 27 weeks, and she spent the first few days of her life on donated breast milk (my supply was so low to start with) and I have been eternally grateful to the person that donated that milk.

[alltalknobaby]

No advice but bumping for you. So very sorry for your loss OP

[dizzydaisies]

My goodness, I'm so sorry for your loss but what a wonderful thought to have.

My son also benefited from donated breast milk when he was on the neonatal unit and in forever grateful.

Are you still in touch with your midwife? I would speak to them, or maybe one of the team who helped you at the hospital. They'll be able to help I'm sure. If not, get in touch with your local neonatal unit. If it will upset you to go near the unit yourself, they will arrange to meet you elsewhere so that you don't put yourself under more pressure than necessary.

You're thinking beautiful thoughts, much love to you, and to Arlo XX

[bandbsmummy]

So sorry for your loss @Jadem1409.
I know there are a few milk banks around who you could contact as well as a group called human milk 4 human babies.
Try herewww.ukamb.org for the milk banks.

What a wonderful thing to even be thinking about right now

[Errrrrrr]

Oh bless you! My milk coming in when I lost my little girl was one of the hardest things, like a physical sign of how much my body ached for her.

Donating milk is a beautiful idea, definitely contact your midwife and ask about it. However I would caution you to think through all of the implications - pumping colostrum will encourage your milk to 'come in' and will just delay having to try and stop your supply until later. Hopefully you can talk to your midwife and make the best decision for you.

Love to you and Arlo xxx

[dizzydaisies]

@Jadem1409 How are you today?

x

[MyHairNeedsASnip]

I am so sorry about your son. You thinking about donating colostrum is probably the kindest thing I've seen. Whatever you decide, take care of yourself

[greendale17]

OP you are an amazing person.

[Rosti1981]

I'm so sorry for your loss.
My babies died shortly after birth last month and I also wanted to donate breast milk to the neonatal unit milk bank at the hospital. I couldn't in the end because of a particular medication I had to take, but the neonatal unit were definitely interested before I ended up on the medication. Through your midwife or UKAMB or look up the milk bank details at your hospital. It's a lovely thing to consider doing (but if it feels too much then that's ok as well... I was warned a few times that I might find it very difficult).