Mommy's Milk

As most people who know me know, I am very pro breastfeeding. I nursed my oldest for 15 months, until my doctor requested I stop because I was pregnant with my second. And I plan on nursing my second just as long, if not longer if he wishes. I am very grateful that I am able to nurse my children as not everyone can. Some mothers for unknown reasons just can't. And my heart goes out to those women. Especially those women of premature babies who really need breastmilk. That's why I am so glad I can help them out. I made my first donation to the U of I's Milk Bank of Iowa yesterday and it felt so good! I donated 115 ounces of milk and plan on donating as much more as I can. God blessed me with an abundant supply of breastmilk this time around to share and help other babies. I am so grateful for that. And I want to spread the word of this wonderful opportunity many nursing mommies don't know about. The process to become a donor was relatively easy. There was a verbal screening that took maybe 5 mintues, then there was the written screening, a signed document by my doctor stating I am healthy, a signed document by my baby's doctor stating he is healthy and thriving, and a simple blood draw to check for diseases that would limit your donating ability. They have drop off sites a few places around Iowa so you don't have to go to Iowa City all the time. The closes to me was Des Moines at Mercy Hospital and they are SO nice and friendly there. I was very impressed. I am also very impressed with the strictness of donating milk. Don't take that as it's hard. They have rules so that the breastmilk premature babies are getting is the best breastmilk they can get. For example, if someone in the house has a high fever, I cannot donate my milk. The rules are in place to ensure the best health for the babies getting the breastmilk. You don't get any compensation for donating, just the great feeling of helping babies. (Not much could beat that!) I am so grateful and proud I have been given this opportunity to help other little babies. There will be some chubby little ones thanks to my milk!