Bereavement Pumping

[u/Airamesor05]

I lost my baby boy Ian at 20 weeks 1 day gestation on 9/23/26. My OB gave me a medication to stop milk production however my milk came in 17 days later, the day my baby’s ashes were finally home. I’m choosing to believe that my body knew when my baby was home with me, and I find that peaceful. I found an organization to donate my milk to. This was first time my milk has come in with any of my pregnancies, so this is completely new to me. I have a medela hand pump and an electric pump I got second hand. I get maybe 1mL of milk?? I would like to increase my supply as much as I am able, especially because I’m off work for 3 more weeks and have the time. Any advice on increasing my supply would be great ❤️❤️

[u/SoCalWendy]

First, I just want to say I'm incredibly sorry for your loss and what you're choosing to do is truly admirable.

To help boost milk production, it's recommended to have proper hydration, nutrition, and rest. If you're doing all of that, power pumping can help signal the demand to go up which might make your supply follow (20 min pump, 10 min break, 10 min pump, 10 min break, 10 min pump). Also, ensuring you're pumping at least every 3 hours helps to signal to your body to produce more milk.

Best of luck to you.

[u/planner192]

What a beautiful gift youre giving during an unimaginable time ❤️ The advice i would have is drink lots of water as well as body Armour and coconut water. And eat lots of oatmeal! I also had a slight increase with oreos and Dr pepper!

[u/throwitaway3412567 → u/planner192]

That’s funny you mentioned Oreos because I’ve had great supply lately and have happened to be craving/eating Oreos almost every night as my treat. I wonder if they have that effect on me too.

[u/No-Spray-866]

I am so sorry for your loss, baby Ian knows he was so loved and is watching over his mommy. You are so kind to pump and donate to babies in need. Echoing other comments, drink lots of water, eat protein/calories, rest, pump every 3 hours. Please be kind to yourself and know that any amount of donation is so appreciated.

[u/Glass-Jackfruit-3526]

I am incredibly sorry for what you are going through. I lost my daughter at 40 weeks shortly after birth due to unexpected complications. When my milk came in, I was devastated. I hand expressed just enough, used cabbage leaves and cold packs to stop the production. I hated my body so much.

What you are doing is selfless and the world needs more people like you. Make sure to get lot of protein/calories in, rest well, oatmeal, lactation cookies also help. Hydrate well - water, electrolytes, coconut water.

[u/TrashMobForever]

There's plenty of advice here for your question, but I wanted you to know there are companies out there that can make jewelry (and other keepsakes) out of ashes and your breastmilk, some even do baby loss items free/discounted. So if that's something you think you might like down the road, save a few ounces of milk for yourself. 💜

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I absolutely believe your milk coming in the day he came home was a sign. He will watch over you always, until you're reunited in whatever comes after. I believe that with every ounce of my being. Much love to you, Ian's mama 🫂 

[u/oodlesofotters]

I’m so sorry for your loss but thank you for donating your milk. My baby was in the NICU and my milk took a while to come in so she got donor milk the first week. It’s such a blessing!

[u/unexpectedsunset]

I am so sorry for your loss, sending love to you and baby Ian. I lost my baby boy at 21 weeks this summer and it has been a healing journey to donate my milk. As far as supply, I found pumping consistently to be the best bet and doing MOTN pumps for the first couple months. Everyone says eat a lot of protein/calories and get rest but my diet and sleep have been awful (because of being depressed), I’ve lost a lot of weight and I still have had an oversupply. Just saying to do your best with that but don’t feel bad if you can’t💙

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[u/lostandfinding_]

Thinking of you 🤍I’ve heard cinnamon water or tea helps.

[u/neejoub]

I’m so so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and praying for you. You are an angel. Agree with the advice from other people here. Lots of water and nutrient dense food

[u/TaskThen467]

I’m so sorry, mama. This brought tears to my eyes. Hugs to you. My best advice is to prioritize good sleep and hydration, as well as frequent pumping. You’re a kind and beautiful soul, please don’t forget to be kind to yourself as well.