WENDY, Milk Donor
Both of my kiddos spent time in the NICU. They received donor milk while I was in a different hospital than they were since I was not able to get my milk to them immediately. It was comforting to know donor milk was available to them in the event I couldn’t produce enough or get it to them in time. I am lucky to have an abundant milk supply. I witnessed firsthand how it helped both of my kids grow and thrive. I hope my donations bring comfort to other NICU parents in similar situations and give strength to the babies fighting to survive.
BRIANNA, Milk Donor
Our little Amelia surprised us by arriving 6 weeks early. She stayed in the NICU for 3 1/2 weeks. During that time, we used donor milk from the MN Milk Bank for Babies. This was such a priceless gift other mothers gave us, there was no question in my mind that I would pay it forward. We hope to help many babies with our donation, as other selfless mothers did for us!
MAXINE, Milk Donor
I decided to become a donor because I am grateful and beyond thankful to have received donor milk for my oldest when he was in the NICU. My son has a lengthy health history and has had 3 open-heart surgeries. While I waited for my milk to come in, he was given donor milk before his first heart surgery at 9 days old. I have always wanted to be able to give back!
KATHERINE, Milk Donor
When I gave birth to my first son, I tried for over a month to get him to latch for breastfeeding. I saw lactation consultants and worked at it, but had no luck. However, I had success pumping and feeding him breast milk. After several weeks, I started building up so much pumped breastmilk we didn’t have room for more! I told my coworker and she encouraged me to donate my extra milk. I had no idea this was possible! Once I became an approved donor I was so excited to hear how much milk I was donating and what an impact it had on babies across the Midwest. I had such a wonderful experience and felt such a positive impact from my donation the first time, I couldn’t wait to return after having my second baby! The work the milk bank does is nothing short of miraculous. I hope every mom who is able to donate will do so. It’s such a rewarding experience!
ASHLEY, Milk Donor
During my first trimester of pregnancy, I carried twins. Tragically, Baby Girl B was not able to continue the journey with her sister, Everly. When I started my exclusive pumping journey, I hoped to make enough milk to get my daughter through three months of exclusive breastfeeding. Much to my surprise, I was blessed with an abundance of milk and quickly filled a freezer. After speaking with other moms, I learned that many are not as fortunate as I am to produce enough breast milk. I decided I would continue to pump for a year to supply not only my daughter with breast milk, but also to honor the sweet girl I had lost. I donated the milk that would have gone to her to help other babies in need.
LAURA, Milk Donor
I am a Registered Nurse and understand the huge health benefits that breast milk has for vulnerable infants, and the need for donated breast milk in MN. I knew if I had extra breast milk, that I wanted to give it to babies in need. I am blessed to produce enough for my daughter, and to have extra breast milk to help other families. We are so excited to share and encourage others to breastfeed if they can! The MN Milk Bank is helping so many infants in need, I couldn’t be more ecstatic to share and help them with their amazing cause!
