When Emily Johnson experienced the heart-wrenching loss of her stillborn son, Lucas, at 20 weeks, her body began to produce breast milk. Although her physician suggested that she bind her breasts to halt milk production, Emily chose to disregard this advice. “I realized that I had this milk, and I needed to determine a way to use it,” she shared with a parenting publication.
Determined to make a positive impact, Emily began pumping her milk for donation. Unfortunately, her workplace was unsupportive, responding callously when she requested breaks to express milk, with the remark, “Your baby is gone.” “It doesn’t matter whether or not I have a baby to hold,” Emily remarked. “I was a lactating woman with bodily needs.”
The Stigma Surrounding Grieving Mothers
The stigma surrounding grieving mothers who have endured the loss of a child during pregnancy is pervasive. When a child is stillborn, there is often an unspoken expectation for parents to simply move on. This societal pressure can hinder the grieving process, leaving little room for acknowledgment of their pain and needs. It is difficult to comprehend how an employer could make such a callous statement when a mother is still capable of lactation; the decision regarding the use of her milk should solely rest with her.
Advocacy for Change
In response to her experience, Emily is advocating for changes to the Break Time for Nursing Mothers law, which currently does not protect bereaved or surrogate mothers. She aims to broaden the language to encompass all breastfeeding mothers. Over the course of eight months, her selfless efforts resulted in the donation of an astonishing 92 gallons of breast milk, equating to over 30,000 feedings for infants in need.
Emily’s journey through grief while helping others has inspired many. Her story resonated with others who have faced similar losses, prompting heartfelt comments when shared on various platforms. One woman shared, “My daughter was stillborn at 36 weeks. I struggled to prevent my milk from coming in, but after three weeks, when it did, I started pumping. Knowing I could provide for babies in need saved my spirit.”
Another mother reflected on her experience, stating, “My daughter was stillborn at 33 weeks. I didn’t even consider lactation until after her birth. Emily’s story is inspiring, showcasing the strength of women who navigate the devastating pain of losing a child while still finding ways to give back to others.”
The Impact of Stillbirth
Each year, approximately 25,000 babies are stillborn in the United States, which translates to about 68 families experiencing this profound loss daily. It is a testament to the bravery and altruism of women who choose to continue lactating after such a devastating event, as they often seek to support other families in need. They deserve the same legal protections under the law as any other lactating mother. Emily is currently working with the Mothers Milk Bank Northeast and is pursuing a career as a breastfeeding consultant.
“Family and friends often hesitate to mention Lucas’s name, not realizing that I long for that acknowledgment. Through my advocacy, I ensure he is remembered daily, which brings me joy,” Emily expressed.
Resources for Further Reading
For more articles on home insemination and related topics, check out our resource on intracervical insemination and consider exploring Make A Mom for fertility supplements to boost your journey. Additionally, Rmany is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Conclusion
In summary, Emily’s courageous decision to donate her breast milk following the loss of her stillborn son highlights the importance of recognizing the needs of grieving mothers. Her advocacy work aims to create a more inclusive support system for all breastfeeding mothers while providing nourishment to those in need.