Originally featured on Heart & Science, we’re thrilled to share Meghan’s story. Read on to meet the NICU nurse, milk donor and hero to many . . .
“A labor of love” – NICU lactation consultant shares experience as a milk donor . . .
Ever since she was a young girl, Meghan Whitman, BSN, RN, IBCLC, knew she wanted to take care of babies. Those early instincts drew her to earn her degree in nursing and pursue a fulfilling career as a NICU nurse. But it was her own experience in becoming a mother to three children that helped her to further shape her career path and become a certified lactation consultant in 2017 and an international board certified lactation consultant in 2021.
“I’ve been helping moms feed their babies for years on some level, but after having personal experience with breastfeeding and struggling with my oldest, I realized I wanted to learn more about the complexities of breastfeeding/pumping and how I could really support my patients’ parents in their feeding journeys,” said Whitman, who joined the Brigham NICU in 2014 and transitioned to the role of NICU lactation consultant in 2022.
After having her third child, Noelle, in 2022, Whitman found herself in a position to support NICU parents in a new way: by donating her surplus breastmilk to Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast, a nonprofit that collects and provides milk to premature and medically fragile babies in need throughout the region.
Whitman recently shared her experience as a milk donor and her advice for anyone considering donating.
Click here to learn more about Meghan’s life as a NICU and milk donor . . .
Psst! Just like Meghan, you can save and support newborn lives by sharing the gift of your milk. Learn how you can make a difference for premature and medically fragile babies today.
