Lactation and Abortion

Navigating lactation after a pregnancy termination or making a decision to terminate a pregnancy while already breastfeeding can bring up a lot of emotions and families need lactation education and support during this time.

A pregnancy that is terminated before 16 weeks is unlikely to result in breast milk production, although you may notice some breast discomfort and engorgement from hormonal shifts.

After 16 weeks, milk production begins and capacity for supply increases as the pregnancy progresses. To dry up supply after an abortion, use ice packs and anti-inflammatory medication (ex. Advil) to manage the engorgement and only remove the least amount of milk needed for comfort. You can also speak to your healthcare provider about medications to dry up supply faster.

Nearly 60% of abortions in the U.S. are among parents with older children. If you are currently breastfeeding an older child and become pregnant again, the abortion pill (mifepristone/misoprostol) is considered safe to take while breastfeeding as a one time pill to induce a medical abortion.

Breastfeeding can continue as normal with a surgical abortion done under general anesthetic, though some parents prefer to pump and bottle feed upon waking up if they feel drowsy.

Abortions can bring up mixed and difficult feelings. No matter what led you to your decision to terminate your pregnancy, you deserve non-judgmental healthcare and social support as you process and move forward.

Resources:
https://exhaleprovoice.org/
https://www.connectandbreathe.org/
https://www.all-options.org/
https://postpartum.net/group/after-abortion-support/

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501722/

https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/mifepristone/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2220345/

https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/resource/insights-medication-abortion-and-lactation/