As a newly bereaved parent, lactation can be a physical and emotionally painful reminder of your recent loss. It is incredibly sad to feel our bodies furiously working to provide nourishment for the baby who is no longer alive, yet that same process establishes us as fierce, strong mothers* capable of nourishing our young.
For some of us, the milk feels simply cruel. They want it to be gone as quickly as possible. Others feel a powerful tie to their baby through their milk. They may not want to pump or express, but having the milk there feels strangely comforting. Many of us are curious about our milk because it belongs to our baby. Some parents choose to express milk to save, have milk jewelry made, or donate in memory of their baby. It's not unusual to taste your milk, just to know what your baby would have experienced.