There are no words to describe the depths of grief that women experience with repeated miscarriage or infant loss. Postpartum Support International has resources to help process this unthinkable experience.
When women feel their milk come in, it can amplify the existing loss. It is an option to pump and donate this milk. However, most mothers feel that it is most helpful to suppress milk production. This is possible with a medication called cabergoline, a prolactin antagonist that stops lactation.
Cabergoline can be prescribed by a medical provider. 0.5 mg is taken every 72 hours by mouth; usually one to maximum of three doses is needed early postpartum. It should soften breasts within 24 hours, and women can use ice, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen to counteract pain and swelling until it starts to take effect.
