Recipient Mom Returns the Favor, Becomes a Donor

Monday, 1/9/2017

Angela knows firsthand how important donor milk can be. After a “normal and healthy” pregnancy, her water broke six weeks early and her son Oliver was born at 34 weeks. His premature arrival had him whisked away to the NICU shortly after birth.

Oliver received donor milk while in the NICU as his first source of nourishment while Angela worked to establish her own milk production. He was able to go home after 11 days, and she was able establish a supply. In fact, Angela began to produce more breastmilk than Oliver needed. The NICU nurses informed her that she could donate her excess breastmilk to Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas.

“A donor fed my preemie when I couldn’t,” Angela said. “I wanted to be that person for a baby in need.”

Angela started the process to become a donor in November, and has already dropped off one donation. As she sets aside more for her next donation, she’s also perfecting her breastfeeding and pumping technique. She began with a very strict routine, feeding and pumping every three hours, but has become more baby-led as Oliver has gotten older.

“With preemies, you have to follow a 2.5 to 3 hour feeding schedule as you don’t have that flexibility at first, but as your baby grows to full term, they instinctively adapt their own eating habits,” she said.

For preemie parents who are breastfeeding like her, Angela encourages them to stay strong. “It does get easier and it’s totally worthwhile,” she said.

Today, Oliver is a happy, healthy 7 month old who is thriving after his premature start. Angela is thankful for the moms who made it possible for Oliver to receive donor milk, and is happy to do the same for others in need.

For more information about becoming a milk donor, click here.