The Gift of Life: My Journey of Donating Breast Milk
“Looking back, donating breast milk was not just an act of generosity; it was a journey of self-discovery, confidence-building, and connection. It taught me to trust my body and give back in a way that was uniquely personal and profoundly meaningful.
Author: Elly Tran, RD, CSOWM, CLC, LD
Becoming a mother for the first time was a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, joy, anxiety and a touch of self-doubt. Breastfeeding was something I desperately wanted to succeed at, yet my history of infertility and hormonal abnormalities caused by PCOS made me question whether I could breastfeed my newborn. Despite reading countless books and reassurances from health experts, the worry lingered. Would I be able to produce enough milk to nurse my baby, let alone build a supply for my return to work?
After the birth of my first son, I was surprised at how it all worked out. Those early weeks were challenging—nipple pain, bleeding, and the overall learning curve of breastfeeding were hurdles I hadn’t fully anticipated. Fortunately, I found a hospital support group that provided me with invaluable lactation advice and a community of mothers who were experiencing similar struggles and joys. Attending the group and meeting one-on-one with a lactation counselor boosted my confidence. That is when I heard more about milk banks and was excited to find that this hospital accepted breast milk donations. A milk bank is a facility that collects donated breast milk, processes it, and stores it, providing essential nourishment to babies in need – especially premature or medically fragile infants whose mothers may not be able to produce enough milk. For these vulnerable babies, donated milk can be lifesaving - it contains essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that their fragile system needs. It even helps reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal condition that disproportionately affects preemies.
By the time I returned to work, I had established a routine that included an extra pumping session. This meant not only having a steady supply for my son but an accumulation in the freezer as well. To my surprise, I began producing more milk than my family needed. The idea of donating hadn’t crossed my mind until I saw my freezer overflowing with an abundance of milk. That’s when I felt driven to contribute to this lifesaving cause.
Becoming a milk donor, while at first daunting, was a straightforward process. I submitted an online application, had a phone interview, and underwent a blood test to confirm the safety of my milk. Understanding how thoroughly the milk bank screened for donors, reassured me that their strict guidelines guaranteed all donor milk is safe.
The process of preparing donated milk follows strict guidelines:
• Screening: Milk is carefully tested for safety and then pooled from multiple donors to ensure an even distribution of nutrients.
• Pasteurization: Milk is heated to 144.5°F for 30 minutes to eliminate harmful bacteria while preserving vital nutrients and antibodies.
• Quality assurance: After pasteurization, samples are tested to confirm the absence of bacterial growth before the milk is quickly cooled, frozen, and distributed to families in need.
This meticulous procedure makes milk bank donations significantly safer than informal sharing which carries significant risks such as:
• Infections: Unscreened milk may care bacteria or viruses like HIV or hepatitis.
• Medications or Substances: Informal donors might unknowingly pass on medications, drugs, or alcohol.
• Improper Handling: Without careful storage and transportation, milk can spoil or lose its nutritional value.
After I received my official acceptance letter and donor card in the mail, waking up earlier for an extra session every morning was well worth it, knowing that my milk was going to make a difference. I was nervous about transporting my frozen milk to the hospital, but with every successful delivery brought relief and the feeling of great accomplishment. After my child’s first birthday, I received a certificate indicating that I had donated a total of 498 ounces which was enough to feed nearly three premature babies through an average NICU stay. Mother's Milk Bank in Austin estimates it takes on average 176 ounces to sustain one premie. With 51,000 premature babies born annually in North America, 8,960,000 ounces of donated milk are needed every year.
“Mother's Milk Bank in Austin estimates it takes on average 176 ounces to sustain one premie.
With 51,000 premature babies born annually in North America, 8,960,000 ounces of donated milk are needed every year.”
With my second child, breastfeeding was a breeze, much like riding a bike. I approached it without pressure, fully aware that each pregnancy and baby is different. Yet once again, my body exceeded expectations, producing an extra bottle each morning to freeze and donate.
The satisfaction of knowing that I was contributing to creating something so vital never faded. I cherished every letter from the milk bank, filled with heartfelt stories of how donated breast milk saved lives or provided comfort to families in need. Those letters sometimes brought tears to my eyes – reminding me that something so small could be so impactful.
Looking back, donating breast milk was not just an act of generosity; it was a journey of self-discovery, confidence-building, and connection. It taught me to trust my body and give back in a way that was uniquely personal and profoundly meaningful. Being part of this is a privilege – one that I will always treasure.
About the Author:
Elly is a wife, a mother of three, and a dedicated healthcare professional with over 15 years of experience as a Clinical Dietitian. In 2018, she transitioned from working with adults to achieving her dream of specializing in pediatrics, where she’s able to support children and their families. Inspired by her own breastfeeding journey and the vital role lactation plays in pediatric nutrition, she pursued becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor—a skill that has since been an invaluable part of her work. Beyond her career, Elly finds joy in cooking, running, and traveling, always eager to explore the outdoors her family.