If you’re in Wisconsin or Illinois and interested in donor milk, learn how to get started with the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes.
My journey with the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes began in February 2020, when I became a first-time mom. Shortly after my son was born, he kept failing his blood sugar tests. I remember feeling scared and helpless, and then learning that, because my milk hadn’t come in yet, we had two options: formula or donor breast milk.
Happy to share the liquid gold!
I chose donor milk — and I will never forget what a gift that turned out to be. Thanks to that donated milk, my baby boy’s blood sugar finally stabilized, and he avoided a NICU stay. In that moment, I realized just how powerful one mother’s generosity can be for another family that she has never met.
Not long after, I discovered I was an overproducer of breastmilk. It felt right to give back the same kindness we had been shown. I began donating to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes — the very bank that supplies donor milk to SSM St. Mary’s in Madison, where my son was born. The sign up process was so easy but detailed, and the staff made it feel like working with a small-town local team who truly cares. You always speak with a real person who is passionate about the work they do. They even had a cooler shipped to my house for my donations, since I couldn’t make it to a milk depot during business hours, which was so appreciated!
I’ve been blessed with a total of 3 healthy, happy baby boys — and with each one, I’ve had the honor of donating my extra milk. This third little one is my last baby, so this chapter feels bittersweet. Closing out my final donation feels like the end of a very special journey.
I am deeply grateful to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Great Western Lakes for the work they do, the kindness they show, and the tiny lives they help save every single day in the hospital settings. It has been a privilege to be a part of that mission and donate enough milk for over 3000 NICU feedings!
Yay to saving tiny lives — and thank you for the opportunity to give back, Mother’s Milk Bank. You’re the best! – Donor Mom Amanda
