Sweet Baby Abigail was born early at 28 weeks and 6 days, and she and her mother Mary have come such a long way. Abigail started out as a recipient of pasteurized donor milk in the NICU, and now she and Mary donate their milk to give back!
From Mary:
"First time mother and my baby arrived a little earlier than what I expected. Born at 28 weeks and 6 days, baby was in the NICU for 58 days! I was so grateful for the medical team at the NICU to help us along our journey and Abigail received some donor milk while my milk supply was coming in.
"I thought it was such a neat idea to have donor milk for babies in the NICU so I gladly consented as I know how vital breast milk is for growth and development. I thought what an amazing gift for women to donate their excess breastmilk to help sick babies in need. I too found myself in the same situation having an abundance of milk supply since my baby was only receiving small volumes of breast milk as she preterm and I was producing milk as if I had a term baby.
"My freezer was filling up fast and the nurses at the NICU suggested I look into milk donation. There was no way I would be able to use all the milk that I had for baby when she came home. I felt it would be a great way to give back so I began the donation process. I feel happy to be able to help other babies and that my milk will not go to waste. Thank you for all you do Northern Star Milk Bank!"
Thank you Mary - you know how far your donated milk will go in the NICU as the babies there take such small amounts. It means so much to so many families! Donor milk saves lives.
