I posted a while back about starting to donate to Mother's Milk Bank of North Texas. I pump several times a day for M so freezing the extra milk for babies in the NICU is no big deal. I have made a several drop offs of milk. I estimated that it was around 250 ounces total. I received a letter today from the milk bank thanking me for my donations thus far totaling 333 ounces! Matt said, that is more than a case of beer in breast milk. It sure is, and I am proud of it. Reading their letter and reading about all the babies my milk has helped has inspired me to continue to pump even after M is no longer taking expressed breast milk. Yes, it is a pain to drag the pump to and from work every day and to spend my 30 minute lunch time and my conference period pumping. I am blessed with 2 healthy and thriving children. I don't know what it is like to have a child in the NICU, but if I did I know that I would be so grateful for any mother that donated milk to my child. It is not a sacrifice but an act of giving - giving of something that money can not buy.
Oh, and yes I will be nursing M for as long as she wants to nurse, but I will give her cow's milk in a sippy cup after she turns 1.
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11 months ago
6 comments:
Did you know that we are the only species to drink another animal's milk? Have you read "The China Study"? Something to ponder...
I almost called you today to nurse my baby. K boycotted the bottle and I had just turned off the pump when she woke up. It was not a good experience. Ironically, the paci was the only thing that calmed her down and then she fell asleep. I have been feeling traumatized ever since, LOL. You know I'm not use to hearing this one cry. I'm calling a LC this week!
Meredith - why are you calling an LC? Are you having nursing issues, other than today? You could have tried to put her to the breast or waited 20 minutes and then nursed her. Even though you felt like you were empty after pumping the body is a wondrous thing and still has milk, even right after pumping. That has happened to M and I on several occasions too.
I will have to read the China Study. I have been told bits and pieces, but have not read it in its entirety.
That is so neat Kristen! You are amazing to give of your time and yourself:)
Mer--I don't pump anymore...as I rarely leave L and so I have enough milk stored now. But when I did pump in the beginning...I had the same issues...I would just let him suck on me and it calmed him and he got enough till More milk came in...
Dad and I are so proud of you. You have provided wonderful nutrition for babies that are not as forunate as your precious daughters. It also shows what an unselfish young lady you are and is definitely a testimonial to your beliefs. Keep it up!
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Oh I am so proud and excited for you! Brittany and I kinda joked about donating my milk when I was nursing since I made so much, but I didn't know you really could, and I guess out there in the country I didn't have the right resources?! I wish I'd known this before I stopped nursing my boys!Thank you for doing what I should have!
You know, I just read this again and I just think you are an inspiration. What a selfless beautiful act to give something so wonderfully nutritious. This is such a short period in our lives that we need to enjoy every minute. You are taking it to the next level; giving your gold to others in need. What a joy, what a blessing! Not just to others but to yourself. I know it feels so good to give.
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