First of all, if you’re reading this post, you may be in need of support. Please know, there are services available to help you if you’re experiencing a tough time.
When a woman becomes pregnant, her body immediately starts to undergo hormonal changes in preparation for motherhood. These changes support breastfeeding, whether through pumping or nursing. As early as the second trimester, around week 16 to 22, your beautiful body can begin producing colostrum. This is the nutrient-rich “first milk” that nourishes a newborn in the first few days of life. This can lead to breast tenderness, fullness, or even leaking fluid midway through pregnancy.
It’s also very normal for pregnant women to also continue to breastfeed older children, which is known as tandem nursing. Our wonderful bodies are totally capable of producing enough milk to sustain a nursing child, even while supporting a pregnancy. And, unfortunately, this means that even following a miscarriage, your body may continue to produce milk.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 10 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, most often in the first trimester. When you’ve miscarried and you’re still producing milk, there can be a lot of emotions and difficult questions to get through. You’re not alone in this, mama. Let’s talk about it.
Can A Woman Breastfeed If She Has A Miscarriage?
Yes, a woman can breastfeed if she’s had a miscarriage, especially if the pregnancy has progressed enough for milk production to start. Milk production is regulated by hormones, especially prolactin and oxytocin. After a miscarriage, these hormones continue to be elevated, especially if the loss happens during the second or third trimester. In some cases, milk can “come in” a few days after the miscarriage, similar to a full-term birth.
For women who are already breastfeeding while pregnant when the miscarriage occurs, they may continue milk production without any interruption. Some of them may even find breastfeeding to be comforting during this emotionally complex time. The act of nursing releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and bonding.
However, it’s important to remember that breastfeeding after miscarriage may increase the risk of engorgement, mastitis, or discomfort if not managed properly—especially if you’re not emptying regularly. Emotional distress, as well as physical pain, can really complicate the situation. Because of this, it’s important to lean on healthcare providers and lactation consultants for support.
How Long Does Breast Milk Stay In Breast After Miscarriage?
After a miscarriage, breast milk production can continue for several days or even weeks depending on a few different factors. Some of these factors include how far along the pregnancy was, whether the breasts are emptied often enough, and your individual hormones.
Milk production, not colostrum, usually starts 2 to 5 days after delivery or miscarriage. This happens because hormone levels shift and prolactin begins to surge. If your breasts aren’t stimulated by either pumping or nursing, milk production will gradually decrease. However, some women—especially those with a history of oversupply or previous breastfeeding experience—may continue to produce for longer.
If you’re not pumping or nursing, your body will usually reabsorb the milk over time. During this time, it’s super normal to experience discomfort, fullness, leakage, or engorgement. Just make sure you check in with your healthcare provider to ensure that you don’t develop mastitis.
What Happens To Breast Milk After Miscarriage?
Milk production may still occur.
It’s important to know that your body doesn’t always differentiate between delivery and miscarriage when it comes to milk production. If the pregnancy was far enough along, you may find your milk comes in within a few days unexpectedly.
Understandably, this can be surprising and emotionally triggering in the midst of grief. It’s completely valid to feel shocked, confused, upset, or even overwhelmed by this response. Treat yourself with kindness and don’t hesitate to reach out for support if this occurs. It’s important to know that many other women have experienced this, and you aren’t alone.
You may continue feeding an older child.
If you’re already nursing an older child, you can absolutely continue to breastfeed after a miscarriage. In fact, you may even find it to be comforting. This emotional grounding can provide a sense of connection and even healing amidst the sudden grief.
That said, it’s completely normal to feel conflicted and drained. Grief impacts each mama differently, and your response to breastfeeding may continue to change and evolve through the process. Some mothers choose to wean, while others feel it’s best to continue. This is a deeply personal decision and it’s important to listen to your body and emotions.
Some women experience physical discomfort.
When milk goes unexpressed, it can cause clogged ducts, engorgement, or even mastitis. Some women can even experience fever or flu-like symptoms. To reduce these risks, it’s important to manage milk suppression or use methods to suppress lactation.
This may include reducing breast stimulation, wearing a supportive bra, applying cold therapy, or expressing milk sparingly. And, of course, you can consult with a healthcare professional for medication or other approaches. Whichever path you choose, be gentle with yourself. Support is always available.
You may experience unexpected emotional reactions.
If you’re producing breast milk after a miscarriage, you’re allowed to feel whatever complex emotions come your way. Every mama navigates this experience differently, there’s no rulebook for how to manage it.
Some women feel sadness and confusion, while others find it comforting and relieving. No matter where you land on this spectrum, it’s okay to feel whatever you need to feel at this time. Seeing or feeling milk after a miscarriage can be an emotional experience. Counseling, support groups, or chatting with a lactation consultant can help you process these emotions.
What To Do With Breast Milk After Miscarriage
Let it dry up naturally.
If you choose not to express the milk, your body should slowly stop producing it. Wear a supportive bra, avoid nipple stimulation, and apply some cold compresses to relieve discomfort. There are also over-the-counter pain relievers that can reduce swelling and assist the experience.
Express some milk for comfort.
Some women choose to express small amounts of breast milk to relieve pressure. This can prevent clogged ducts and mastitis. However, frequent expression can prolong milk production, so try to strike a balance here.
Continue breastfeeding an older child.
Continuing to breastfeed can provide physical relief and emotional comfort. It may be a healing experience, helping you feel connected and supported during grief. Breastfeeding grief is very normal at this time, so remember to be kind to yourself.
Donate your milk to milk banks.
Some mamas also choose to donate milk to milk banks. This generous act can turn your loss into life-saving nourishment for premature or fragile little ones. Not all milk banks will accept milk after miscarriage, so just check the eligibility requirements first.
Seek emotional and medical support.
Regardless of what you choose to do with your milk, support is always available. Grief counseling, lactation consultants, and community groups can provide understanding and guidance during this time. I promise you're not alone, and your choices are valid.
Remember, support is always available.
Navigating life after a miscarriage involves both physical recovery and emotional healing. Understanding what happens to your body—including changes in breast milk—can help you make choices that are right for you.
Whether you choose to pump, continue nursing, donate, or allow your milk to dry up, your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be supported. If you're in the early stages of a new pregnancy or trying again after a loss, check out this helpful post on how to get through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy for tips and reassurance. You’ve got this, mama!
