BACKGROUND:
Perinatal loss challenges the natural order of life. Amidst this pain, the experience of lactation is an overwhelming experience for the mother, as her breasts become engorged with milk intended for a baby no longer in her arms.

OBJECTIVES:
To explore the current state of knowledge regarding the lactation experience during perinatal grief and midwifery interventions to support it.

METHODS:
A literature review was conducted with no restrictions, including studies that explored meanings of lactation and midwifery interventions in the context of perinatal loss. The initial search yielded 203 articles, of which 7 were included in this review.

RESULTS:
Breast engorgement serves as a constant and painful reminder of their loss. This gives rise to a profound sense of dissonance – mothers question why their bodies continue to produce milk despite the absence of a baby. Some mothers describe the involuntary release of milk as “white tears,” a powerful metaphor for grief. For some, lactation is perceived to maintain a tangible connection with their child. Breastmilk can be used to create keepsakes. Expressing milk becomes a meaningful act, affirming their maternal identity. Others choose to donate their milk, an act that symbolically honors their child and altruistically extends their care to other babies in need. The professional support provided by midwives is reported to be both limited and insufficient.

CONCLUSIONS:
The findings underscore the need for open dialogue about lactation, enabling mothers to navigate this aspect of grief with greater support and understanding.

KEY MESSAGE:
The impact of lactation on perinatal grief is highly individual, and midwives must present all available options and support informed decision-making. Denying these women the opportunity to experience lactation is to deprive them of an essential aspect of their motherhood. Poster session 2 (Group A)