Melissa’s firstborn daughter introduced her to the life-changing power of donor milk. Her second gave her the chance to give back.

Melissa’s journey to donating over 7,400 ounces of breastmilk began with an unexpected pregnancy complication. Diagnosed with preeclampsia, a serious condition marked by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, she was induced early at 37 weeks.

Soon after birth, her daughter, Edith “Edie”, struggled with jaundice and rapid weight loss. Medication prescribed to treat Melissa’s high blood pressure delayed lactation, and Edie was not efficient at nursing initially.

Melissa was frustrated and terrified until the hospital recommended donor milk. She says, “This experience introduced me to the world of donor milk, and I was so grateful this was available to us. The peace of mind that donor milk gave me cannot be overstated.”

Melissa describes her second pregnancy as a night-and-day difference. She explains, “My daughter, Eloise “Lou”, and I had a beautiful start to our breastfeeding journey. Once I introduced pumping as I prepared to return to work, I realized I had a substantial oversupply.” She decided to help other families with her extra breastmilk. 

Melissa describes the donor screening process as extremely easy. She says, “I completed the online questionnaire and had my blood work done at a local facility on a Saturday morning. I made my first donation in July of 2023, and I made my final donation in March of 2025.”

Melissa credits her ability to donate long-term to her supportive employer. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to work in a place that respects and accommodates pumping, especially beyond the one-year mark,” she says.

When asked about her experience as a donor, she shares, “This has been the most rewarding journey. My hope has been that my extra milk has given other moms this same sense of relief that donor milk gave me.”