Milk Donation--Totally a Thing. Get Into It!

Namastè!

I hope you're experiencing copious amounts thereof.

Tonight I'm embarking on another stash-building journey. As you may have gleaned from my breastmilk bag comparison post, I am a milk donor.

I have pumped around 60 ounces a day for the past few months. (I keep a tight schedule, eat mostly healthful foods, and feed Baby Namastè on demand.) I have a dramatic supply, and I periodically donate in 100-ounce increments to keep a fresh rotation in our freezer. Baby Namastè has his own little nest egg of milkies, and donation allows me to keep his milkies at their freshest and help other little ones in the process.

Now, I typically pump around 60 ounces--but Baby Namastè eats about 30. (Just an estimate, as he still nurses as well as takes a bottle from Dad Namastè!) Initially we were delivering the milk to a very special little princess, whom I will write about when I can handle it. That little princess has not needed us for several months,  and we wanted to honor her. The best way to honor a life?

Help another one thrive!

I stumbled upon a milk donation site in a moment of desperation, honestly. As our know, we are transitioning into our new home. Since November of last year, we were in a city 4 hours away from our home. (Work and other obligations.) By the time we began preparing to come home, I had over 3000 ounces of liquid gold stored in two freezers. We didn't trust shipping the milk, and it would take up too much space in the car. (Think of the coolers--several large Igloos with dry ice and regular ice!) I jumped online to see about donor agencies. I found one official but it was in Atlanta, so I'd still have to either ship the milk or drive it up by myself. (NOTE: I never "run out" of milk for Baby Namastè. He has his own freezer stash, and he gets his fill every day. Just clearing that up again, in case some mommies feel sancti!)

Then I found HM4HB. They are a network of women who donate breastmilk peer to peer. I did a bit of digging and was impressed. Here was an entire sisterhood of mamas making sure babies could have breastmilk by all means. No one charges  (I wouldn't dream of such anyway), and local pickups and mutual meeting spots are the modus operandi. I made sure everything was on the up and up, spoke with a couple coordinators, and made my post on their Facebook page. I was able to help 3 babies out, giving 2000 ounces to a NICU baby and 500 ounces each to older babies who just needed mother's milk to bridge during the weaning process.

It felt really amazing to be able to help. Didn't require any extra effort or money, just bags of milk and a desire to help. I refused to throw out all that milk, and I didn't want to rent a van to drive it all, so the logical solution was to give it to someone. (Also note: I am actually tested and cleared through the Helping Hands Milk Bank, the National Milk Bank, and the Piedmont Donor Milk Program.)

A lot of people are confused about donor milk, and it's a divisive subject for sure. Many feel like formula is a safer option when they can't or won't nurse. Of course this is true for some  BUT in a positively and wonderfully staggering percentage of cases, donor milk is absolutely safe--there are programs like the ones mentioned above which test all milk before distribution. Certified donors like myself are obviously the best bet, but peer-to-peer programs are becoming a formidable option with required disclosure and the option to have contracts, waivers, and requirements on each side. Recipients can request a specific diet, from vegan, vegetarian, or caffeine and medication free, to no restrictions at all. It hinges on what each recipient baby needs, and what diet the parents prefer their donor follow.

Some are uneasy about allowing their babies to consume milk from a stranger, but women have been wet nurses for eons. In days not so long gone by, it was commonplace to hire a wet nurse. Adoptive mothers are sometimes able to relactate so they can nurse their new babies, and while it's not entirely the same, it is still a woman who may or may not be biologically connected to a child who opts to breastfeed that child. It's far more beautiful than it is creepy. It isn't creepy or weird at all, honestly. There is nothing gross or unnatural about feeding a baby, ever.

We drink cow's milk--which is meant for baby cows. Before it is consumed by humans,  it is pasteurized and necessary nutrients are added. All good and well! If I weren't lactose intolerant, I would probably have a cold glass of milk right now, along with a cookie or three. That being said... If you are not uneasy seeing a baby with a bottle or cup of cow's milk, a bottle or cup of human milk should not bother you! Human milk does not generally need pasteurization or to have anything added, and babies are never allergic to human milk itself, only the things the mother might consume.

What it is, is amazing. To know I can do something that I do anyway (pump lots of milk) and help preemies and other babies thrive just makes my whole heart sing. Donors are ALWAYS needed, and those tiny little babies thrive on that precious liquid gold. I can't put into words the rush of happiness and joy my soul feels when I deliver those coolers. It's unmatched outside the feeling I get caring for my own little ones.

In the end, feeding babies is what matters most. However, if breastmilk is what a woman wants for her child (and for any reason she cannot provide it on her own or provide enough), donor milk is a great option.

If you are interested in donating OR receiving milk, please check the following links. I recommend certifying with an agency even if you do peer-to-peer. It's an added comfort for you, and a major point of reassurance for the recipients. Everyone wins.

National Milk Bank

Piedmont Donor Milk Program

Helping Hands Milk Bank

HM4HB

I personally will be working toward making an even bigger donation this month in honor of breast cancer awareness. One of my recipients is a survivor and mom to a preemie and she absolutely rocks my socks. I hope you'll consider donating also. Let's give!

Namastè!

-- Tayè K ♡