Feeding Twins AND Donating to Medically Needy Babies
Lacey, age 28, has been donating breastmilk to Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas for about 14 months. This, in itself is nothing short of amazing. However, Lacey is also feeding twins, Rocco and Marbeya, a feat not possible for a lot of moms out there. Lacey is what we call an overproducer, which fits the profile of most of our donor moms. Instead of throwing away her oversupply, she donates it to help premature and critically ill infants. To us, Lacey is a superhero . . . a theme that will become more prevalent at the milk bank in the months to come. (So, stay tuned!)
Lacey - Graham, Texas
How did you find out about the milk bank?
13 days old in the NICU
I found out about MMBNT because I had our twins at Baylor All Saints and I was pumping for them. They were in the NICU for a month and I had an oversupply of milk. I donated almost 800 ounces when we left the NICU after the first month. The nurses kept telling me I should donate since I had so much extra milk.
Was the approval process difficult?
The screening process was not a big deal at all. I had blood drawn by the hospital and that was it!
Do you have any advice for other moms about pumping?
6 months old
I rented a hospital grade pump and I have had it since day one. I could not have been as successful without this thing. I am an exclusive pumper and the rented pumps are worth every penny if you can afford to do it. I pump for 30 mins at a time, four times a day. It helps to establish a schedule and stick to it as well as you can. And I wear my pumping bra at all times (under my regular bra) so that I can pump and drive or pump at work or whatever I need to do. ;). We recently went on vacation to Mexico without the twins and carried back over 2 gallons of milk. Pumping is just a way of life for me now and I plan to pump until my twins are at least two years old.
Tell us about Rocco and Marbeya.
They were born on April 7 2014 and have completely changed our lives. They are healthy and happy little babies who light up our lives. They have been sick only one time but without even running a fever. They get breastmilk and homemade, organic foods only.
Do you have a good support system?
Frank, Lacey and the twins last November
My husband has been so helpful and supportive. He made sure to feed me and wash all of the pumping supplies in all of the several brutal first months. I could not have made it without him. He still brings me my pumping supplies in the morning with my coffee. I am a blessed woman. So shout out to my super sweet hubby, Frank!
What does being a donor mean to you?
June 2015
I enjoy being a donor because the twins were in the NICU weighing 3lbs 11 oz and 4lbs 6 oz. They had donor milk their first day or two and I am thankful for that. It has been a very rewarding experience for me to donate my extra milk because I know it makes a difference for sick and tiny babies in the hospital.
What is the largest amount you have pumped at one time?
Oh, I pumped 32 oz of milk once in one session. Lol! I'm half cow, apparently!
