As we continue celebrating 20 years of Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast, we’re sharing stories from families and donors whose generosity continues to shape this community. Today’s story is one of extraordinary consistency and heart: a donor whose commitment has spanned eight years, three children, and thousands of ounces shared to help babies and families thrive.
Eight years, three babies, one incredible goal
You have three little milk donors at home! Can you tell us more about your family?
We’re a family of five based in Natick. My eldest son is 7, which is still hard to believe. My daughter is 4, and my youngest, another little boy, was born last May. We love Legos, Mario Kart, and lately, stringing together beaded bracelets.
How did you first hear about the milk bank, and what inspired you to donate?
I had seen it mentioned on social media while I was pregnant with my eldest, and it just stuck with me. It seemed like a great way to give back if I had a consistent surplus of milk. After just a few pumping sessions, it became clear I would have that surplus.
This is why word of mouth means so much to us! That post struck a chord, and you began donating milk in 2018 but you didn’t stop there . . .
This is my third time donating! I first donated 4,000 oz in 2018 and another 1,799 oz in 2021. Now, I’m at around 2,000 oz with my youngest son, and we’ll soon be making another donation. My ultimate goal is to reach a lifetime donation total of 10,000 oz—a goal we might just surpass.
Donating has given us many special moments and memories. I’ll always remember when the Bikers for Babies volunteers came to my eldest’s daycare to pick up our final donation. It was such a meaningful and memorable way to mark the moment. It’s been incredible to contribute again. And I’m amazed seeing how much the milk donor community has grown. My latest donor identification number is over 15,000 when my original was under 6,000. I love knowing there are so many families out there helping one another.
Along the way
Looking back, has your understanding of milk donation or its impact changed at all?
When I first started donating, I knew that donor milk helped protect fragile babies by reducing their risk of developing life-threatening medical complications. Today, I know that it can also help new parents get past some of the most difficult days of nursing a newborn—and just how valuable that is!
While I had an immediate abundant supply with my first baby, my daughter and youngest son had trouble gaining weight. My daughter and I were able to figure things out by doing a “nursing vacation” which involved 48 hours of snuggling skin-to-skin and nursing frequently. With my littlest, we had to add triple feeds for a time. I began to realize how fortunate I was first time around and what an incredible relief donor milk would have been if I was a new mom struggling to feed a tiny newborn.
Pumping and donating take time, planning, and consistency. What helped you stay committed?
Simply knowing that donor milk is critical, even lifesaving, for some babies.
My donation journey started when my eldest son wouldn’t take my milk which was high lipase. That meant all of his bottles needed to be pumped and consumed in less than 36 hours. To nurse him at home and pump enough for his weekday childcare bottles, I had to maintain an abundant supply. I haven’t had the same lipase issue with my youngest two, but sticking with the same “milk removal” schedule has allowed me to stay ahead of their needs and continue to donate.
Knowing your milk has supported families during some of their hardest moments must feel good?
So good! There were times when I wanted to skip a pumping session, especially late at night, but knowing my milk would benefit a fragile baby always gave me that extra push. There’s a lot of love in every ounce I donate.
This is families nourishing families
Has donating changed how you think about community or motherhood?
Feeding babies can be such a sensitive topic for so many people. Donating milk has allowed me to share a uniquely meaningful gift with families anonymously. It’s been a privilege to support other parents and their babies.
There’s a beauty to the anonymity. It’s families nourishing families in a way that’s gentle and inclusive. What would you say to someone who finds they have more milk than their baby needs?
Whatever your personal feeding goals are, don’t let that liquid gold expire in the freezer! I would always encourage becoming a donor. Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast makes it easy and that excess milk could be lifesaving nutrition for a baby in need.
Do your children know about your milk donation journey? What values do you hope they take from it?
My kids know that mommy donates milk and love hearing that it’s helping “little babies.” It’s something we talk about often. Ultimately, I hope they learn that when you are fortunate enough to have a surplus of any resource, the greatest gift you can give is to share it with those in need.
Did you know
Moving Violations Motorcycle Club, a.k.a. Bikers for Babies, has been supporting Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast since 2018, helping deliver donor milk to babies who need it most.
This year, in honor of our 20th anniversary, they’ve chosen Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast as the beneficiary of their annual Benefit Run. Want to get involved? Your support helps ensure that no baby goes without nourishment they need to grow and thrive.
