Stephanie Hanson
Weatherford, TX
When I had my first baby I was young and didn’t know a lot about breastfeeding. I will admit I just didn't know what I was doing.
I breastfed my son, Landon, for about two months and stopped. After moving to Texas and having my second child, daughter Kaia, I wanted the breastfeeding experience for both my child and myself, as a mother.
After getting mastitis for the fourth time I stopped breastfeeding at eight and a half months. Luckily I had enough breastmilk saved up to last until Kaia was 11 months old. I was proud I had made it that far.
Throughout my breastfeeding experience I was supported by my family and the amazing lactation consultants at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. These same lactation consultants shared that I could donate my surplus breastmilk to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas.
When I became pregnant with my third child I was determined to breastfeed again. However, the process with my son, Reid, has proved to be a challenge.
Physicians became concerned when baby Reid lost an entire pound after birth. I was advised to switch to formula. I was completely discouraged because I wanted to continue supplying my son with the benefits of breastfeeding I now knew to be true. My lactation friends assured me it was going to be okay. Fortunately I went back in after five days and he gained back about 10 ounces.
Reid is now a strong, healthy 13-week-old and exclusively breastfed, thanks to the assistance of my lactation consultants. I love the bond I have with my son through breastfeeding and I only hope I can continue breastfeeding past his first birthday.
I am very grateful for the consultants at Harris Hospital. Their guidance and willingness to answer questions during the breastfeeding process has been vital to me and my children. I encourage all mothers to seek the advice and support of a lactation consultant when you are learning how to breastfeed or working to overcome breastfeeding struggles.
To date I have donated 2,291 ounces to Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas and I don’t plan on quitting any time soon. I know the impact donating my breastmilk makes to little babies who cannot receive their own mother’s breastmilk. I am thankful I have the opportunity to help.
Breastfeeding Advice from Stephanie:
Do not give up. Breastfeeding can be difficult but the bond built from breastfeeding is so beneficial for both mom and baby. And if you have surplus breastmilk then I encourage donating it to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas. Fragile, precious babies depend on it and you can make a difference in their lives.