[mosaicmama]

my friend just had a stillbirth. She is leaking milk. What should she do? Is there anyway to suppress?

 

[stafl]

What she should NOT do is bind her breasts like some doctors still advise. This can cause plugged ducts and mastitis, and can even damage breast tissue.
Some cold cabbage leaves in her bra might help with engorgement. The lack of nipple stimulation will prevent her milk from really coming in like it would otherwise.

 

[Gidget]

I am very sorry for your friends loss.

. I agree with the cabbage. And she can also express only enough milk to ease her discomfort without stimulating more production.

 

[srain]

I leaked milk for SIX MONTHS after my stillbirth. It was awful. Obviously nothing worked for me, but people suggested:
limiting fluids
if engorged to real pain, let milk flow in the shower/ bath rather than manually expressing it
not binding the breasts, but wearing a firm, almost-tight bra

 

[shelbean91]

I've heard peppermint suppressess milk supply. If I drink a LOT of caffiene, I notice my milk a little lower than normal (like 5-6+ cups of coffee/soda a day).

 

[GatorNNP]

other things are sudafed or birth control pills if it gets bad. Or hand express a little until the engorgement days are over if it is very painful.

 

[sugarmoon]

sage also supresses milk.

sorry for your friend-how awful

(nak)

 

[sarahwebb]

You can order sage tincture here:
http://www.motherlove.com/

Also, you might look into black walnut compresses--ask an herbalist or use a reference; I'm only about 70% sure on this.

I am so sorry for your friend's loss.

Sarah