After learning about Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas (MMBNT) on Facebook, Kindra began donating her breastmilk (pictured above) to medically needy babies last December. She is a mother of three and a social worker with a focus on child welfare and adoptions. She enjoys family camping trips, cheering at her oldest son’s baseball games and taking the kids to experience new things. Breastfeeding has been an important part of family life. She explains, “My oldest son isn’t fazed when he sees me pumping or nursing and it’s something I want him to view as normal rather than taboo." Here, Kindra reveals how she decided to become a donor and shares her experiences and advice:
Donating my breastmilk was a very difficult decision for me initially. I worked so hard to build up my supply that I didn't want to part with it and possibly take it away from my own baby. But at some point I came to the conclusion that I had more than enough and there was no reason why I shouldn't donate it. It's been very rewarding to know I have helped other families who are not able to provide milk for their babies.
For me, donating has given me a reason to continue nursing. With my first two children, I quit nursing around 8-9 months because I was tired of the night feedings and was ready to get a full night's sleep. Since I started donating I have had more than just my own baby to think about. On days (and nights) when I've been ready to call it quits, I just try to remember that my baby and others can really benefit from my breast milk. The screening process of becoming a donor was easy and I've had nothing but positive interactions with the MMBNT staff. Just this weekend I was wearing a MMBNT t-shirt out to breakfast and another donor commented on my shirt. I feel like wearing the t-shirts and sharing posts on Facebook helps encourage a conversation about donating breast milk vs. selling it or keeping it when you have an ample supply. It also raises awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding.
I deliver my milk to the main office in Fort Worth. I actually have donation points closer to where I live, but I enjoy going up to the milk bank to watch the milk go through the pasteurization process and all the moving parts of the program. My advice to new donors? Don't give up! It's a lot of work and tiring but the reward is worth it. Knowing you are helping preemies thrive while continuing to feed your own baby the best nutrition is a great feeling.
For more information about Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas or about how to become a donor, please visit our website.