The Power of Your Milk and Donor Milk
It’s finally here—your due week! You’re so close to meeting your baby, and the excitement must be building. While you prepare for this next chapter, remember that your journey with lactation is an incredible bond between you and your baby. Your milk is one of the most adaptive substances on Earth. It constantly tailors itself to meet your baby’s unique needs, adjusting for their growth and developmental stages.
However, there may be times when, for various reasons, you may need to rely on donor milk. Unfortunately, our milk banking system currently doesn’t have the supply to fully support all parents, particularly those in NICUs. Yet, even in cases where formal milk banking isn’t an option, informal peer-to-peer milk sharing—milk shared directly from another mother—has been shown to reduce the risks of mortality and morbidity compared to formula feeding.
Understanding your options and the safety of milk sharing can help you make informed decisions that best support your baby’s health.
Tips for You This Week
- Trust Your Body: Remember, your body’s ability to produce milk that is unique and specific to your baby’s needs is truly miraculous. Don’t be afraid to rely on your natural instincts and knowledge of your baby.
- Explore Donor Milk Options: If you’re considering donor milk, research available resources in your community. Connect with local milk banks or informal peer-to-peer milk sharing groups.
Safety First: Always make sure to follow safety guidelines when handling or accepting donor milk.
