A Donor’s Story: From Personal Experience to Lifesaving Impact
“I am a ER nurse and have come across a lot of tiny little precious lives who deserve only the best that we can give them. I had a large supply of breastmilk with my first son but with my second son I had a significant oversupply. My oversupply allowed me to provide breastmilk to all those special littles that I have seen and visited at the NICU where I work. I will never forget being a first time mom and the stress that comes with trying to figure out how to feed your baby. Whether that is formula, pumping or breastfeeding it is a significant learning curve on top of a lot of sleep deprivation. I hope my breastmilk alleviates this stress for other moms and saves a lot of tiny little lives!” – Adela, Donor Mom
Donor Mom Adela’s Child in her gift of LOVE through human milk donation!
Adela’s story illustrates the powerful intersection of professional healthcare experience and personal motherhood that drives many donors to support the Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes. Her journey from managing her own feeding challenges as a new mother to becoming a vital donor demonstrates how breast milk donation creates meaningful connections between families.
The Critical Need for Donor Breast Milk
Healthcare professionals like Adela understand firsthand how essential breast milk is for the most vulnerable infants:
- Premature babies who require easily digestible, immune-boosting nutrition
- Infants with medical complications needing specialized nutritional support
- Babies whose mothers face milk supply challenges due to medical conditions or treatments
- NICU patients where every nutritional advantage supports their development
Research consistently shows that donor breast milk provides crucial benefits that can be life-changing for these tiny patients.
About Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes
The Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes serves families across Wisconsin and Illinois, providing safe, pasteurized donor human milk to hospitals and families in need.
Who Can Donate Breast Milk?
You might be eligible to donate if you:
- Are a healthy, breastfeeding mother
- Have excess breast milk beyond your baby’s needs
- Are willing to undergo health screening
- Can commit to safe milk collection and storage practices
Who Receives Donor Milk?
Donor breast milk helps:
- Premature infants in NICUs
- Babies with feeding difficulties
- Infants whose mothers cannot breastfeed due to medical conditions
- Adopted babies whose new parents want to provide human milk
How to Get Involved with Breast Milk Donation
For Potential Donors:
- Contact the Milk Bank: Reach out to Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes to begin the screening process
- Complete Health Screening: Undergo blood tests and health questionnaires
- Learn Safe Collection: Receive training on proper pumping, storage, and handling
- Start Donating: Begin your donation journey and help save lives
For Families in Need:
- Hospital Referral: Many NICUs work directly with the milk bank
- Direct Contact: Families can also reach out directly for outpatient needs
- Insurance Coverage: Many insurance plans now cover donor milk prescriptions
The Impact of Professional Milk Banking: Supporting Families When It Matters Most
Stories like Adela’s remind us that behind every donation is a family choosing to help other families during their most challenging moments. The Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes facilitates these connections through rigorous safety protocols and professional standards.
When mothers donate through accredited milk banks, they know their milk will reach babies who need it most through:
- Comprehensive donor screening and health testing
- Scientific pasteurization processes that maintain nutritional integrity
- Strict quality control measures throughout collection and processing
- Direct partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers
This professional approach ensures that donated milk meets the highest safety standards while preserving the life-saving properties that make breast milk so valuable for vulnerable infants.
Breaking Down Barriers: Common Concerns About Milk Donation
“My Milk Supply Varies”
Milk banks understand that supply fluctuates. Donors can contribute when they have extra, without pressure or rigid schedules.
“I’m Concerned About the Screening Process”
The thorough screening process ensures both donor and recipient safety. Staff members guide donors through each step with support and understanding.
“I Want to Know My Milk Makes a Difference”
Accredited milk banks provide feedback about donations and their impact, helping donors understand how their contributions support infant health.
A Call to Action: Join the Mission
Whether you’re a mother with extra breast milk or a family in need of donor milk, the Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes is here to help.
As both a healthcare provider and a mother, I’ve seen how donor breast milk creates ripple effects of healing—not just for babies, but for entire families navigating the most challenging moments of their lives.
Ready to Help?
- Potential Donors: Contact Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes to learn about becoming a donor
- Families in Need: Speak with your healthcare provider about accessing donor milk
- Community Members: Share this information with new mothers and healthcare providers
The Bigger Picture: Professional Milk Banking Makes the Difference
Breast milk donation through accredited milk banks represents the beautiful truth that mothers can support mothers safely and scientifically, even when we’ve never met. Through organizations like the Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, we create a professionally managed network of care that extends far beyond our own families.
Every drop donated, every life saved, every family supported—this is how we build a community where no baby goes without the nutrition they deserve.
Have you been touched by breast milk donation? Are you interested in becoming a donor or accessing donor milk? Contact the Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes today to learn more about how you can be part of this life-saving mission. www.milkbankwgl.org/donate-milk/
