Julia
Formerly from Amarillo, TX
Currently living in West Palm Beach, FL
Planning to move back to Texas in Spring 2014
When I was pregnant with our daughter Katherine, I was nervous about becoming a new mom so I took a breastfeeding class. During the class there was an overview on of the Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas. Although the information was good, I was nervous about producing enough breastmilk for one baby.
Katherine was 10 lbs. 11 oz. and nursing was difficult and painful at first. But once it was going well, then it was quite apparent that I had way more than I needed. I started storing my excess breastmilk and then looked up information on the Milk Bank again, but didn’t donate quite yet.
When Katherine was seven months old we moved from Amarillo to West Palm Beach, Florida. We moved all of my milk with us. Then, we realized that we had too much for Katherine to drink. I called the Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas, conducted the blood tests, became an approved donor and then shipped all of my breastmilk back to Texas.
I sent all 732 ounces in one big shipment.
Donating meant a lot to me and I know babies can benefit from donor human milk. A friend’s child was recently in a hospital NICU, and although I don’t know if my breastmilk was given to my friend’s child, I felt good that this family could get donor milk for their child that needed it.
I’m currently pregnant with second child and I’ve already visited with my OBGYN about becoming a second time donor. I saw that there is a new milk depot in Miami. That is about 1 ½ hours away. I might take my milk down there, or I could just ship it back to Fort Worth. Regardless, I am more than excited to be a donor again.
And, if you are able, then seriously consider donating your excess breastmilk to other people out. You don’t know their stories – maybe they can’t provide for their baby, and the breastmilk is medically necessary.
Julia’s Breastfeeding Tips:
- Don’t cheap out on a pump, especially if you work. The nicer ones don’t hurt as much and are more efficient. I had a Medela breast pump.
- Ask your employer to have a place to pump and schedule work regular breaks.