A Donating Story
I was 19 when I got pregnant with my oldest son. I figured that I would give breastfeeding a try and if it didn't work then there was always the formula option.
I was on WIC and they had a program where the nurse comes to your house and educates you and helps out first time mothers to make sure you have all the knowledge you need, as well as check up on the baby to make sure that everything is going smoothly. I was able to get more breastfeeding education from the nurse as well as lactation consultants (LCs) in the hospital. Also breastfeeding dairy free is a lot cheaper than dairy free formula.
I have never had an issue with my supply or mastitis, my biggest struggle has been trying to figure out how to breastfeed my babies without suffocating them (as I have large breasts), also needing to cut dairy out for both of my boys has been super difficult. Also cutting out caffeine with my second has been tricky since I work nights and love my coffee.
With my first I just pumped when I needed to relieve pressure, or when he was 11 months I went to work full time. I was a special needs nanny and got to bring him with me to work.
With my second I have pumped since he was 4 weeks old. I was able to stay home with him for 10 weeks before I had to go back. I have to pump at least once a day even when I'm off work to relieve pressure.
I decided to donate about a week or so before I went back to work, my second son was only about 9 weeks and I had around 470 oz of milk. I was able to get a deep freezer with the help of my family to keep all the milk in. I was super nervous because I have to take medicine for Post-Partum Depression (PPD).
I didn't think anyone would want the milk and I hated the thought of it all going bad and running out of space. One day I was scrolling Facebook and saw the Human Milk for Human Babies Facebook page and they had a post that answered all of my questions. It was kind of funny how the timing worked out.
When I first donated, I was glad to have my freezer space back and I was glad that the milk was being used and not wasted. As I have continued to donate, I have made a friend and seeing her little one grow has been amazing. I am so glad that I am able to help out this family.
I love that it is/was our special bond. I made those chunky thighs, and those milk drunk smiles. They may have also gotten milk all over their face a few dozen times. I loved the way first would hold his cow while he ate, and my second is learning how to move his arms so he likes to throw punches especially while nursing.
My first son had to have a toy or something to play with while he ate, he also loved staring at daddy. My second son throws punches, and stares at me. I absolutely love when the boys smiled while they were nursing, and milk would dribble out of their mouths.
As for nursing in public, babies are just eating, adults and children eat in public all the time. I have always wanted someone to say something to me about how it is gross and how I shouldn't do it in public, but they never do.
The boys never liked being covered so I do my best to cover myself. most of the time is still am mostly in the bra. If people want to stare I can give them something to stare at, haha.
In the end, do what you feel is right for you and your family. As parents we are all doing the best we can, and there are no instructions on your child. Also surround yourself with people who will support you and your decisions. If it wasn't for my amazing husband and family I probably would have given up, but they help me feel like I'm not a burden and I can still go to dinner even with the restrictions I have.
Thank you so much for reading Nicole’s Story. Have you donated milk? I would love to hear about it in the comments. Come back tomorrow to read another mama’s story with breastmilk. And if you want to share your story or simply get some beautiful photos with your children, send me a message to start the conversation.
