Paying It Forward: Caroline’s Journey from NICU Mom to Milk Donor

When Caroline pictured becoming a mother for the first time, she never imagined her baby girl would arrive two months early. A partial placental abruption changed everything, and suddenly, Caroline and her husband were thrust into the world of the NICU.

“We were already anxious about being new parents,” Caroline recalls. “The NICU roller coaster added an extra set of worries we had never anticipated. There is no greater pain than leaving part of your heart in the hospital as you drive home empty handed after a traumatic birth that you haven’t even fully processed.”

Caroline’s daughter, Ellie, spent 66 long days in the NICU, where initially, she received donor milk. At home, pumping became Caroline’s way of feeling connected to her baby when they were apart. “It gave me purpose when I couldn’t be by her side,” she says.

Like many first-time moms, Caroline had no set plan for how she would feed her baby, either by breastfeeding, pumping or using formula. But when Ellie arrived early, she began pumping immediately. To her surprise, her milk supply came in quickly. Delivering milk to the NICU became a labor of love for her tiny warrior, helping Ellie grow stronger each day.

As the weeks went on, Caroline noticed other families around her and saw some mothers struggling to produce enough milk for their babies. “I remember being so thankful that the hospital had the option to give my baby donor milk in the beginning,” Caroline says. “From that point on, I was determined to share my supply.”

For Caroline, donating milk became more than just giving, it was a way to honor the mothers who helped feed Ellie when she was most vulnerable. “It is one of the greatest honors being able to help other families feed their little NICU angels,” she explains. “Being able to lighten the load for other NICU mamas is incredibly rewarding.”

Caroline is a registered nurse and has cared for countless patients in the recovery room. But being on the other side, as a patient in labor and delivery, postpartum, and then as a NICU mom, was humbling. “It gave me such perspective on what it feels like to be on the receiving end of care,” she says. “I am endlessly grateful to the hospital staff who cared for both me and my baby girl.”

Today, Caroline is paying it forward by donating her extra milk to help fragile babies like Ellie. “I am so thankful to the moms who graciously donated their milk and helped provide for my baby girl during a difficult time for us,” she reflects. “It feels like such a privilege to do the same and pay it forward.”