Patricia Stanley
Burleson, TX
I view my breastmilk donations to Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas as one of the most important things I have ever done. My first child spent only her first night in the NICU due to some minor delivery complications. Although her time in the NICU was brief, it gave me a very small glimpse of the stress the parents of babies in the NICU must feel. When I began to have a significant oversupply after the birth of my first daughter, I read about how milk donation of surplus milk to HMBANA milk banks would help medically fragile babies in NICUs. I immediately fell in love with donating my surplus milk; I loved that I could do something to help these beautiful babies and hopefully help their parents as well. I donated again after having my second daughter. And, if we are blessed with additional children, I will go through the process of applying to be a donor again.
An additional reason I have for donating my milk involves my work serving as an Attorney Ad Litem to CPS children; I have been appointed to babies born into very unfortunate circumstances, some who have been in the NICU. If my extra milk helps a baby that needs it and gives them the best possible start in life, I am all for it and will be right there in line to get my blood drawn - again - in the screening process. My donating experience with Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas has been amazing. I feel like I am treated like family.
My best pumping tips for first time moms are: (1) use a top notch double electric pump; (2) pump 
every 3 hours if at all possible - even at night; (3) use a big enough flange; and (4) drink A LOT of water. Good luck and happy pumping!