I started to write this blog back on 2/9/11. Needless to say, I have been crazy busy. So here it is LOL.
Well, for the third time yesterday (2/8/11) I donated milk to a mama who BF's but doesn't make enough. I think I donated a couple hundred ounces yesterday, and that was after donating around 600 ounces the other two times. All 3 times I have donated to the same mama. Her sweet little daughter, S, is younger than Bug, but it is SO great knowing that I can share something with her little one that she cannot fully give herself.
Why would I donate one may ask? Why would someone use donated milk another may ask? In many parts of the world there are still wet nurses. What is so different? Yes, this mama and I found each other online, but that is it. We have met in person, I do not charge her for the milk, in fact, I ask for absolutely nothing in return. The feeling that I get being able to give another baby breastmilk instead of that baby having to drink formula is an amazing feeling. The first time we met, we met at Starbucks. Bug got hungry while we were waiting. So, as I sipped on my (decaf) tea, I NIP. Mama walked in to see me nursing Bug. I think that even helped make her feel comfortable, that much more a guarantee that Bug was getting the milk that I was sharing with S!
Don't get me wrong, I am not downing on formula. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it! I am just so happy that I can breastfeed, and even happier that I can help another mama that wants to exclusively feed breastmilk. In her case, they tried supplementing with formula and it gave S a lot of gastro problems. Since they have been supplementing with my breastmilk they have gotten rid of all of her gastro problems! That is amazing!
We get so many tests when we are pregnant, and this other mama knows that. I have been honest with her all around. Yes, I was drinking one cup of caffiene a day. Now I don't everyday, but whatever. Yes, I will have a glass of wine after Bug goes to bed sometimes. But you know what? I don't pump again until morning! One glass of wine is out of my system in about an hour, especially considering how much water I drink. So, if I'm not pumping until 8 hours later the wine is LONG gone. Don't forget that there are many theories that a glass of dark beer or wine at night actually help your supply! Yep, I take Zyrtec for allergies, and Fenugreek to make sure that I remain a crazy milk making mama. I still take a prenatal vitamin and a DHA supplement. She knows all of these things and is comfortable with them. Why? Because I breastfeed my own Bug. Bug is growing healthy and strong from my milk. If I can help nourish S, and make sure that she grows healthy and strong and is not in pain from gastro problems, why wouldn't I?
Forever I will know that I have helped a little one get what her mama feels is best for her, in her specific situation. I have had other options to give to other mama's, but this mama and I have a relationship now. I will give to her until she no longer wants it or has no more room for it. Then, and only then, will I offer my overstash to another mama.
On that note, I think it's about time to text them. My deep freeze is full again, I have no more room. Ahh the joys of sharing. The feeling of contentment knowing that I am doing right.
Oh yeah, it's about time to pump :-)
As someone whose baby is benefitting from several other mothers' milk (actually is while I type this!), thank you! Thank you for taking the time to pump extra and for making such a selfless choice. Your kindness makes a world of difference :)
ReplyDeleteBecky - Thank you for your kind words! It honestly brought tears to my eyes, because I know that when we all allow ourselves to be, we are in this together. We each have our struggles, some easier than others. But, when we help each other out that peace that we are given gets passed onto others. Such as with your kind words.
ReplyDelete