Last updated on September 30th, 2021 at 10:18 am
Beyond the relational benefits of nursing lie the even more pressing health benefits of breast milk. That truth is cornerstone to so many new mothers that, for whatever reason, cannot supply that milk to their children. Even the Natural Resources Defense Council says, ”breast milk is widely acknowledged as the most complete form of nutrition for infants, with a range of benefits for health, growth, immunity and development.”
Thankfully, there is a wonderful answer and it lies within the bank. The Milk Bank. There are a number of women who produce more than what their child(ren) need and can help save and strengthen infant lives through donation. The power of human milk is unmatched through science, and for many tiny lives, it is the much needed answer.
As mothers, we all feel the heartache and struggles of other mothers. The universal understanding is enough for thousands of moms to sit in front of the rhythmic hum of a breast pump for children they may never know.
I was fortunate to be one of those “Super Producers” and while I was feeding my set of twin girls, I also supplied a family of quintuplets. However, I am still saddened that after my first child, I had a huge supply that went to waste because I didn’t know about the Milk Bank. I look back on the hundreds of bags of milk that were thrown away and the possibilities that were wasted.
A wonderful documentary was created about milk donation and I had the pleasure of being in the film, speaking at premieres, and educating people about the bank so that mothers know to donate and others know it is a possibility to receive. If interested in learning more, information can be found at Human Milk Banking Association of North America.
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Are you a new twin parent? Check out Natalie Diaz’s new book “What To Do When You’re Having Two: The Twin Survival Guide From Pregnancy Through the First Year”, available in stores now!
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Nellie Harden has been married for 12 years and is a mom of four little girls, who represent four corners of a square and bring different gifts, energy and challenges to their world. In addition to being a mom, she works with families through JuicePlus to get enough fruits and vegetables into growing and changing bodies every day and enjoy writing about all of life’s avenues.
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