At the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, every ounce of donated milk represents hope. It connects families who have more with families who need support during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Stories like Shaniqua’s are a powerful reminder of why donor milk matters and why families choose to Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes for support.
This Is Our Why: Shaniqua & Her Son’s Story
Shaniqua’s pregnancy took an unexpected turn at 33 weeks. During a routine checkup, she learned that the blood flow from her placenta to her baby had dropped to just 2 percent, and she was warned that she could potentially experience a stillbirth. As a first-time mother, she was overwhelmed and trying to process the gravity of the situation.
“Being a first-time mom, I was terrified. I didn’t cry because my head was still trying to process that piece of information.”
Within a week, the blood flow dropped to 0 percent, and she was admitted to the hospital immediately. After hours of labor and concerning drops in her baby’s heart rate, doctors made the decision to perform an emergency cesarean section. Within minutes, everything changed.
Her son was born weighing just 3 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 15 inches long. Though he was small, he was healthy and ready to begin his journey in the NICU, where he would receive specialized care and monitoring. Many families in similar situations rely on evidence-based care practices supported by organizations like the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, which promote the use of donor human milk for vulnerable infants.
Like many NICU parents, Shaniqua hoped to breastfeed. However, the challenges of a premature birth meant her son was bottle-fed in the NICU and never latched. She began pumping to provide milk for him, but when she returned to work, maintaining her supply became difficult. Despite her efforts, her milk production dropped, and she faced a difficult reality.
“My supply drastically dropped. I wanted to continue to give my son breastmilk due to the many benefits that breastmilk has.”
A year of growth for healthy baby Jet!
This is where donor milk becomes life changing. Pasteurized donor human milk provides critical nutrition and protection for premature and medically fragile infants. Research shows that human milk can help reduce the risk of serious complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening intestinal condition that affects premature babies. You can learn more about the benefits of donor milk from trusted resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Through the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, donor milk is carefully screened, processed, and tested to ensure it is safe for the infants who need it most. Every donor completes a thorough screening process, and every ounce of milk is pasteurized and quality tested before being dispensed to hospitals and families across Illinois and Wisconsin. Learn more about Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes and how milk donation works.
For Shaniqua, access to donor milk meant her son could continue receiving the nourishment she deeply wanted for him. It helped bridge the gap during a time when her own supply was no longer enough.
“If it wasn’t for the strong, willing, brave women who donate their breastmilk and the workers at the milk bank who test the milk and screen the donors, my son wouldn’t have been able to receive any.”
Stories like Shaniqua’s highlight the powerful ripple effect of milk donation. One donor can help feed dozens of babies. One decision to donate can support families navigating the NICU, recovery, and the unexpected challenges of early parenthood. Families staying near their babies during NICU care may also find support through organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provide housing and resources during extended hospital stays.
At the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, we see that impact every day. Behind every bottle of donor milk is a story of generosity, resilience, and care. And behind every recipient family is a story like Shaniqua’s, one of strength, love, and hope.
“I will forever be grateful for everything. Thank you all.”
💛 Help Us Support More Families
Every drop of donated milk helps save and improve the lives of premature and medically fragile babies.
By becoming a donor, you can provide critical nutrition, reduce health risks, and give families peace of mind during some of their hardest moments.
👉 Become a donor today: https://www.milkbankwgl.org/donate-milk/
👉 Learn how the process works: https://www.milkbankwgl.org/donate-milk/
Together, we can ensure every baby has access to the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.
