How One Grateful Mother is Giving Back

Once observed only in August, National Breastfeeding Month now extends into September. Latina/x Breastfeeding Week begins the first Tuesday following Labor Day. This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Culture Through Lactation”, celebrates breastfeeding among the diverse cultures of Latino communities.

September is also designated NICU Awareness Month. With a purpose to raise awareness and build a strong and supportive community, this month acknowledges babies, families and medical professionals in the NICU. 

Today we are featuring Paola’s story which encompasses a long NICU journey, breastfeeding challenges and her determination to help other families with a hospitalized infant. 

As an advocate for breastfeeding, Paola says, “Breastmilk is wonderful, and being able to produce it and share it is very rewarding.” She has been donating her extra breastmilk for the past three months. 

It was the NICU experience with her son, Martin, that set her on the path to become a milk donor. When asked what she advises new milk donors, she says, “Keep pumping! Those sick NICU babies need us!”

After several miscarriages, Martin was born early at 34 weeks after a problem-free pregnancy. Immediately, it was noticeable that he was breathing too fast. Tests confirmed Martin had a rare congenital heart defect called Scimitar Syndrome. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition causes an underdeveloped right lung and underdeveloped right pulmonary artery. 

The family lives in Sunray, Texas, approximately 50 miles north of Amarillo, where Martin was born. At eight-days old, he was transferred to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, where he spent 73 days in the NICU.

Due to his breathing challenges, Martin received donor breastmilk in the hospital through a feeding tube while Paola pumped to develop her own supply. By the time Martin was ready to go home, she ended up producing much more than he needed. She decided she wanted to help other babies and become a milk donor. 

Paola says, “I will always be grateful for the mothers who shared their milk with my little baby.” And now Paola is helping other babies thrive, just like Martin.