Happy Thanksgiving! Today, most of us are celebrating with family and friends and giving thanks for the blessings in our lives. At Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas (MMBNT), our work requires a diverse and complex team of individuals who are passionate about one goal: providing safe donor milk to help save sick babies. When the numerous components of milk banking come together, a newly born premature baby can receive the "liquid gold" that is vitally needed for immunological protection and development. We are so thankful for everyone who makes this possible: The M
ilk Donor Moms - Our typical donor is producing more milk than her own baby needs. She completes a medical interview and blood test. She pumps extra milk, stores it in her freezer, labels her milk with the expression date and arranges delivery to the milk bank. All of this takes precious time. She doesn't receive anything in return, just the knowledge that she is giving the gift of life. She knows this gift is unique and it can't be replicated. The Physicians - The doctors helping premature and sick babies are Neonatologists. They work in hospital NICUs and evaluate, stabilize and manage the care of babies so small, they can sometimes fit in the palm of your hand. They supervise complex and critical care situations. They save lives. The Nurses - NICU nurses handle the highly technical care of helping preemies so fragile, their status can change on the turn of a dime. They work long hours to prevent and treat life-threatening conditions. They help babies breathe and grow. And they help parents cope. 
The Parents - It's the parents who provide the unconditional love, weather the emotional storms and find strength and courage they never knew they had. They become an integral part of the healing process while navigating a very difficult journey.
The MMBNT Family - Collecting, processing and dispensing donor milk takes an organized and dedicated group of administrators, donor mom coordinators, lab technicians, couriers and support staff. The Board of Directors provides oversight and guidance, and is comprised of community representatives from all walks of life: neonatologists, lactation consultants, nurses, bankers, public health officers and hospital administrators. Our volunteers help with all kinds of projects and come from nursing schools, high schools and charitable community organizations. Community supporters generously fund special projects and include individuals, local organizations and foundations. So it's true: there is power in numbers. We are so grateful for the whole milk banking team!