Lactation suppression

Suppression of lactation becomes necessary if the baby is born dead or dies in the neonatal
period or if breast feeding is contraindicated.

Mechanical method for lactation suppression -
It may be used in cases where the lactation is to be suppressed after the establishment of
milk secretion.
i) The patient should stop breast feeding.
ii) She should not express or pump out the milk from the breast.
iii) A tight compression bandage is applied for about 2-3 days.
iv) Analgesic tablet containing aspirin and ice packs are given to given to relieve pain and
    breast engorgement.

Drugs for lactation suppression - 
Bromocriptine (dopamine agonist that inhibits prolactin) 2.5 mg, 1 tablet daily for 10-14 days
may be given (with caution).
Side effects are:
- Hypertension
- Rebound breast engorgement
- Myocardial infarction
- Puerperal stroke.
Puerperal breast engorgement though painful, is never fatal.