Monday, March 14, 2011

To Share or Not To Share


Harper is so big already. I'm dreading going back to work in a few weeks. I know it will be nice to get back into the routine and know we can certainly use the money but I sure will miss spending my days with her. Four kids and it never gets easier preparing to leave them for over 8 hours a day.

In preparation for my return to work, I got on the ball and starting pumping breast milk fairly quickly. I have quite a stash saved up in the big freezer. (I won't lie, I'm pretty proud of my motivation.) Before I even had Harper, I'd already purchased a PumpEase hands-free pumping bra so that I could pump at work. I started using it right away so that I could get used to it. I give it some of the credit for the stash of milk I've saved because it made it so easy to pump that I was encouraged to do it more often.

Today on Twitter, I thought I'd let the folks at PumpEase know how much I appreciate their product. I sent them a tweet letting them know I was considering donating some of my stash of breast milk. I know there are so many babies out there who have mamas who cannot nurse for one reason or another. I'm very lucky that I'm not having supply issues. I just feel moved to help out another baby that needs it and it would not be much work at all to stash away a little extra milk to do my part.

I was hesitant to talk about any of this. I know there are people who would not approve of milk sharing. I know also that there are people who might think I'm doing this to make myself 'look good'. It's really not about me though...it's about getting babies who need milk together with mamas who have milk to give. I'm not saying that these babies can't do fine on formula, but if their parents want them to have breast milk and I am fine with sharing what I have...kinda seems like a win/win to me. :)

...and how cool would it be to tell Harper some day that she learned to share at such a young age? *grin*

I've already received a message from a mama who says she'd love to receive the milk for her adopted son if I choose to donate. My heart swelled and my eyes filled at the thought of being able to help. You know how you get that tingly feeling inside when something good is about to happen? Yeah, I got that.

So anyway...that's my story for today. To share or not to share? That is the question. As tempted as I was to stay quiet, I decided to share my thoughts because maybe if we continue to have these discussions then someday it won't seem 'weird' to share such an abundant resource. Know what I mean?



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12 comments:

PrincessJenn said...

I think it's so awesome that you decided to do this.

Katie said...

Oh friend! This is so lovely! I am so happy you decided to do this! You have the biggest heart!

<3 you!

Zeeke75 said...

I have been here, I have read this post, and I approve.

Redneck Mommy said...

I donated breast milk when my son Shale was in the NICU. I was an over achiever in the production department and there were a few moms who weren't so blessed in the milk department so my son and I happily shared.

I'd do it again if I could. Good on you!

Marketing Mama said...

another reason i love you.

Heather said...

YAY! You go girl! ;) Depending on how quickly my little one goes through my freezer stash, I may be considering the same thing soon- any chance you could share the info you have? I'd love to get more details!

MamaBear said...

I think it's awesome that you're considering donation! What a GIFT!!!!

If I can keep up and get ahead I will be checking into the organization that Johanna mentions in her post about donating breastmilk. (see link below)

http://theseprices.net/2011/03/human-milk-for-human-babies/

Jen - LifeWithLevi said...

I think this is awesome!! And I'm happy you shared your thoughts. Informal milk sharing has it's risks, but I think as long as both people are educated about them, it's a decision each person should make individually based on what they feel is best for their family.

When Levi was younger, I donated about 300-350 ounces through a gal I connected with via Eats on Feets. She was very appreciative, and it felt great that I could help her out.

Laura said...

I think it's a WONDERFUL idea!!

I pumped so much after I had Braden thinking I was going to go back to work that I had over 100 8oz bags stashed up that he would never touch. (We could never get him to take a bottle.) So I went on a search to find someone to give it to and found a family with a newly adopted little girl. It felt so great giving them all that milk and knowing that that little girl would have something that she wouldn't have had otherwise.

I think anyone would know you are doing an amazing selfless thing, you rock girl!! :)

Kelly said...

I am usually not a fan of this but, it is so good for babies and it is so sweet of you to to even think of doing this. Also, I am bloggy friends with Anna (amusatov) and she said you might be interested in a blog makeover. I do them cheap and would love to do one for you. If you are interested, please e-mail me at Koxborough@yahoo.com

Kris said...

Well, I just think this is awesome.

Awesome.

I have no other words.

Seriously . . . none.

kelly @kellynaturally said...

I think it is WONDERFUL you're offering to donate milk. I didn't even think of it back when I was pumping/storing, and a lot of my frozen milk "aged out" and I tossed away. :( It's an important message to get out there - milk sharing can save lives!