By expressing their milk, some women relieve both physical and psychological pain after losing their baby in utero.
It is 2010 when the American Amy Anderson loses her son Bryson in utero after 20 months of gestation. Besides the medical trauma this imposes at the time of childbirth, she also faces a lack of information about what is supposed to happen after her baby’s funeral. The doctor advises her to wear a bandage over her breasts, which continue to fill with milk.
In fact, a woman’s body begins to produce breast milk from the 16th week of pregnancy. It is particularly rich in nutrients believed to help a baby born prematurely to survive. Nature has definitely planned everything. Against the advice of her doctor, Amy decides to express her milk to reduce her discomfort rather than deal with it. “I suddenly realized that I still had a role to play as Bryson’s mother., she explains at the Washington Post. He still had something invaluable to share with the world: his premature milk and the chance of a lifetime for other babies. “
See also: Briton exceeds 3-week pregnancy term, gives birth to stillborn baby
As she inquires, she discovers that there is a real need for breast milk for premature babies. According to the WHO, donor milk is even the second best alternative for a child – after milk from its own mother.
“My pain was immense because I had an abundance of love for my baby who could not receive itAmy continues. Fortunately, I was able to express all my love for her by pumping and giving her milk to others. ”
A natural antidepressant
In France, in 2010, stillbirths represented 1% of births. But the subject of breastfeeding after the death of the baby remains very little discussed. Its benefits are, however, scientifically proven, whether it is to express your milk to give it to your own child or not.
The two hormones secreted during breastfeeding are oxytocin and prolactin. Both reduce stress, anxiety, depression and have a positive effect on morale and well-being. According to academic Tanya Cassidy of Dublin City University, the advantage of donating milk is above all that it can give the mother choice and control over the situation after the trauma of losing the child to her. been abducted against his will.
Olaya Rubio, originally from northern Spain and author of a book on the subject, told the Washington Post that giving her milk served her as therapy and eased her guilt. The physical presence of milk reminded him that his body was functioning properly and could have fed his baby had he survived.