Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Informal Milk Sharing: Fiona’s story - #KBBF2014






When I was growing up breastfeeding was pretty foreign to me. In fact I didn't see a woman breastfeed until I was 14. Babies were bottle fed with formula. It's just the way it was.

When I had my first baby I was going to bottle feed because well... that's just the way it was, plus my family were anti breastfeeding and I was only 17. When I had my baby via emergency C-section, I was offered to have a try at breastfeeding. The instinct I had after my son was born was so strong that I didn't hesitate. 15 years later, I'm pregnant with my 5th baby and still breastfeeding my 4th. My family still doesn't get the whole breastfeeding thing but my husband and I don't care what they think. I'm providing the best nutrients for my baby, plus breastfeeding isn't all about food. It's also about providing warmth, comfort and safety.

A few years back my doula asked if I would like to donate some breastmilk to a mumma in need that just had her baby and her milk was taking a while to come in. I didn't hesitate. I believe all babies should have access to breastmilk. They don't call it liquid gold for nothing. 

I really didn't give much thought to donating after that. I mean, who would I give it to?!

Then one day a mumma posted on a natural parenting site on Facebook that she was desperate for breastmilk for her baby boy. I replied with a few other ladies, and the day was saved. Turns out it was the sister of the mumma I previously donated to...small world!

Then a whole new world opened up...Eats on Feets! I couldn't believe it, a whole community dedicated to milk sharing. What a fantastic concept! It makes me smile seeing all the milky mummas helping out and all the mummas loving their babies and sourcing out such goodness.

Milk sharing is normal. It's been happening for as long as humans have existed!
Milk sharing is safe,
It's perfect,
It's love!

Written by Fiona Hunter-Thain

For more info check out our website
To join your local milk sharing community find us on Facebook


This post is part of the Keep Britain Breastfeeding InternetScavenger Hunt 2014.  If you’ve been looking for the Keep Britain Breastfeeding Logo you have found it!  Below you will find links to other bloggers and companies that are involved in the hunt this year and the rafflecopter which you can use to gain entries towards being eligible to win the £1000 worth of breastfeeding and baby goodies.

  






The lovely Coastal Path Creations have donated a gummy necklace and bangle for the Main Prize Winner!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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18 comments:

  1. Anonymous24 June 2014 at 08:56

    I haven't ever given milk to another baby but would in an instant if I knew someone/where that needed it. Pumping is always most effective when feeding from one side and pumping the other in my limited experience! And first thing in the morning!

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  2. Gemma24 June 2014 at 10:25

    Invest in a good breast pump! I would recommend the Medela Swing!

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  3. Rebecca J24 June 2014 at 10:57

    for me, electric pumps are best. my hand kept getting cramp with my manual one!

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  4. SarahMay24 June 2014 at 12:49

    Unfortunately I have had no success with pumping- doesn't matter what I do. Not sure what will happen when I go back to work!

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  5. sc298724 June 2014 at 13:10

    Would be happy to wet nurse for another baby, but can't pump since the early days of oversupply.

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  6. Natalie Crossan24 June 2014 at 15:31

    Get an electric breast pump! You need all the help you can get :)

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  7. frances hopkins24 June 2014 at 23:50

    Unfortunately I didn't breastfeed, but my friend will be once she has her baby

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  8. Unknown25 June 2014 at 00:11

    After my son died shortly after he was born I continued expressing and donated milk to our nicu. I could only keep this up a few weeks before it got too much though. Unfortunately with my daughter I've never been able to pump much

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    Replies
    1. Laura Honeybee27 June 2014 at 05:23

      You are amazing. What a wonderful blessing you turned your loss into. Thank you.

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  9. Clare25 June 2014 at 03:15

    I always hoped to donate to the milk bank at the hospital I gave birth in, sadly I was pumping all day to provide top ups to help him gain weight. Maybe next time if I'm lucky enough.

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  10. Unknown25 June 2014 at 06:00

    Try to make as much time as possible to relax when pumping as it can get a little stressful ... especially when pumping 8 times a day :-)

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  11. Unknown25 June 2014 at 11:28

    try to pump from one side while baby is feeding from the other

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  12. Mo Ade26 June 2014 at 01:17

    You'll get the most milk in the early morning before your morning feed!

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  13. Unknown26 June 2014 at 09:50

    Very limited pumping experience, my little only liked it straight from breast! On the odd occasion I expressed used a hand pump on one side, having only used the other side during the night

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  14. Robyn Logan26 June 2014 at 13:47

    I use an electric double pump and pump first thing on a morning, works great for us

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  15. Unknown26 June 2014 at 15:36

    Get a good pump, express from one side while feeding on the other, freeze it for a later date such as weaning or donate to a milk bank

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  16. Laura Honeybee27 June 2014 at 05:22

    My second daughter is supplemented with donor milk. We are so grateful to all the ladies who have given her their liquid gold. I only wish I had been able to find donors when having to supplement my eldest daughter.

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  17. candise38228 June 2014 at 15:16

    Try to build a routine or it can be hard to fit pumping in.

    ReplyDelete

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