This information is brought to you by the Winter Park Memorial Hospital, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
As a breastfeeding mom of two, I feel like I am part of a card-carrying club of moms who make it through the many challenges of breastfeeding to successfully feed their newborn babes for as long as they can. Some make it a few weeks, some several months and a rare breed makes it past their wee one’s first birthday.
Please know first and foremost, I do not judge those who use formula. Nor do I find my story to be all that unusual. I didn’t start with a goal to nurse for this long. In fact, those who asked have always been told I would nurse for as long as it made sense. Early on with both girls, I believed that period that it “made sense” would be short-lived, especially after a second round of double mastitis with each child.
Ultimately, I nursed my first for 13 months and my second for 20 months. I made it as long as I did because for me – it was easy. (A scary statement considering how unimaginably hard it was a first.) For me, the milk was always there. For me, I was healthy. For me, my babies were healthy. For me it worked.
But not everyone has that blessing (which it truly is). While formula is an amazing and viable option for most, there are those who dream of giving their baby breast milk – by any means necessary.
The idea of a wet nurse is as old as, well, child bearing. So while the practice of having ones old wet nurse is no longer customary, those who turn up their noses at moms providing breast milk for children not their own are short-sided.
My milk was always in plentiful supply – abundantly so, which is why I became so ill each time. In the beginning keeping up with the challenge of nursing and pumping off excess (to relieve myself) was exhausting. (No matter how much I love breast feeding, pumping I do not.) But I did so, day after day, night after night, filling my freezer with baggies of frozen milk. It was not uncommon for me to have a supply of 20-30 bags of milk in the freezer at a time.
If the option to donate my excess milk supply to another mother for her sweet baby had been available to me, I would have done so in a heartbeat. No hesitation. While most of my milk was eventually consumed by my own daughter, through an elaborate process of oldest milk first and mixing milk with just about everything (rice, peas, etc.) as she began solids, there were bags that missed their “good by date.”
While I have never cried over a glass of spilled cow’s milk, I have wept over spilt and spoiled breast milk. Liquid gold — carefully pumped in a tiring process and lovingly stored. (I cringe even now over prior losses.)
All that back story leads me to one of the most important recent announcements in Central Florida’s caring for babies – the opening of the first Milk Bank in our area. I applauded the men and women at Florida Hospital who championed for this resource to come to our town, and I’d gladly shout my support for this serve from the rooftops. “Hip-hip hurray for Florida Hospital’s Milk Bank!!!”
Mother’s Milk Depot At Florida Hospital Is Central Florida’s First Milk Bank
Mother’s who are interested in donating excess milk are put through a rigorous health screening process in order to protect the health and wellbeing of the receiving baby. Once mom passes inspection, milk is collected, stored and shipped in a carefully designed process. At the main facility, the milk is pasteurized and screened again before finally being consumed by the waiting baby.
Just as the strict as the process to donate milk is, the process to receive milk is also considered carefully. Donor human milk (DHM) is dispensed by prescription only. The highest-priority recipients are premature and hospitalized infants. Common reasons for prescribing donor milk include preterm birth, failure to thrive, malabsorption syndromes, allergies, Feeding/formula intolerance, immunologic deficiencies, post-operative nutrition and infectious diseases. Typically babies receiving donor milk are preterm, and it has proven to be a lifesaver.
4 Steps To Become A Milk Donor At Florida Hospital
- Call 303-869-1888 to answer a 10-minute prescreening questionnaire.
- Complete and return the donor information packet.
- Schedule and take a cost-free blood screen to make sure your milk is safe for critically ill babies.
- Bring your frozen milk to the Milk Deport at Florida Hospital.
There is a great deal of information available about Central Florida’s Milk Depot at Florida Hospital – both how you can get involved in donating milk and how babies in need can become eligible recipients available on the Milk Bank of Florida website. You can also call Central Florida’s Milk bank directly at 407-303-2599.
Breastfeeding Support & Care Is Available At The Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital
In addition to providing an outlet for moms who are about to donate breast milk at the Florida hospital, The Baby Place Academy (a service of The Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital) also provides breast-feeding support and care for those struggling to breastfeed. These classes, led by hospital experts are available to all mothers regardless of where their baby is delivered.(Although, I will give you 4 Reasons You Want To Have Your Baby At Winter Park Memorial Hospital!)
The traditional lineup of prenatal classes offered through the hospital also include prenatal yoga, a breastfeeding class, a baby bunch support group and more.
The Baby Bunch Support Group was created especially for the new mom and her baby. The first year of life with a new baby can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming, which is why we developed this resource to provide support and information to help women adjust to their roles as new moms. Guest speakers will lead a different topic discussion each week. Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding mom are welcome to attend. Lactation consultants are available for those who are breastfeeding.
New moms can get even more breastfeeding support through the Getting Off to a Good Start: Breastfeeding Class
Both mommy and baby benefit greatly from breastfeeding, especially because of the intimate bond it helps to create between parent and child. Though for new moms, the experience can be physically and emotionally challenging without the right support or preparation. We want to ensure that mother and babies get off to the most successful start possible. Our prenatal program will help you prepare for when baby arrives and the needs and challenges that may arise during the course of breastfeeding your child.
With a general sense of exhaustion and uncertainty, getting involved in a group with other moms who are experiencing many of your same frustrations and anxieties can be the most worthwhile gift a mom can give herself. The moms I befriended when my first-born came into our world provided me a sounding board, advice, a shoulder to lean on and most of all a listening ear. I don’t know what I would have done without them, and I encourage everyone to find their group.
Moms can learn more about and register for The Baby Place Academy classes offered online. If you think you need some additional support of any kind, you owe it to yourself and your baby to check out the classes offered to see if it is right for you.
There are a million things to learn when you bring a baby into the world, and no child comes with an instruction manual. But arming yourself with the best information you can get and a support group to lean on can be better than any manual could ever be.
Giveaway
Another resource all pregnant moms know about is Destination Maternity, because let’s face it pregnancy means a whole new wardrobe. To further help moms to be, The Baby Place Academy and Destination Maternity have partnered to offer several prenatal classes, including yoga, at the Millenia Crossing location.
From everyday wear to nursing apparel and a little something special for date night, Destination Maternity has the looks you need to accommodate that growing belly while making you look fab.
To help spread the word about The Baby Place Academy and the Mother’s Milk Depot, one lucky winner will receive a $150 Destination Maternity Gift Card.
To enter – Please use the Rafflecopter form below to take advantage of your entry opportunities.
MANDATORY ENTRY MUST BE LEFT AS COMMENT ON BLOG POST BELOW– then you can check off in Rafflecopter that you did it. Otherwise, all other entries will be invalid. *** PLEASE be sure to read instructions in Rafflecopter form as to what to comment about.***
Contest ends July 17, 2013.
I need maternity clothes!!!
I like the Short Sleve Button Front Maternity Dress
I’d love to have the Sleeveless Babydoll Maternity Dress! So cute!!
I absolutely love the full-length chevron skirt!
The Happiest Baby on the Block class sounds great!
I’d love to have the Baby Loading Maternity T Shirt
Convertible Sleeve Necklace Trim Maternity Blouse!! I’d love this!
Jessica Simpson Spaghetti Strap Babydoll Nursing 2 Piece Set
Getting Off To A Good Start Breastfeeding Class (6:30-9:00pm) 2013 dates Multiple Dates
Both mommy and baby benefit greatly from breastfeeding, especially because of the intimate bond it helps to create between parent and…
Sleeveless Babydoll Maternity Dress
Product #: 95887 I love this dress
I would most like to have this pink Jessica Simpson maxi dress.
I’m most intrigued by the sibling class and the happiest baby on the block class because it can never hurt to know how to calm a baby down
I would love the BCBG Sleeveless Belted Maternity Maxi Dress and Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Lace Trim Nursing Nightgown And Robe
I’m interested with the Happiest Baby On the Block class
Sleeveless Babydoll Maternity Dress
Happiest Baby On the Block
I liek the long sleeve scoop neck lace trim nightgown and robe in blue
I’d like to attend the Baby Bunch support group.
My wife has closed up shop on future kids, so the gift card would go to my sister-in-law. But as for what I would have bought, I would have hit the lingerie section. I always thought my wife looked very beautiful when she was pregnant.
I’d love to have the Spaghetti Strap Clip Down Double Opening Convertible Straps Nursing Cami, it would make it easier to nurse my baby.
I would like to take the Getting To a Good Start Breastfeeding Class!
Sleeveless V-neck Crochet Detail Maternity Tunic
Natural Childbirth class
The Canvas Satchel By Jj Cole Collections!
The Happiest Baby On the Block class would be really helpful!
I would like to have the Central Park North Stop Boxy Backpack By Petunia Pickle Bottom.
i like the Long Sleeve Cable Knit Maternity Sweater
I’d love the sleeveless babydoll maternity dress!
The Happiest Baby on the Block class is my fav!
I would love the short sleeve jersey knit striped maternity maxi dress!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love the Belly Bandit Couture Plaid Post Partum Support Belt for after baby arrives!
would love the Sleeveless Empire Waist Maternity Maxi Dress
I’d love to have one of the sleeveless babydoll dresses
I’d def be interested in a BFing class; I nursed my youngest until she was 18 months and I’d love to know more about healthy BFing
I need some nursing bras.
i like the Jessica Simpson Spaghetti Strap Sweetheart Neck Babydoll Nursing Nightgown !
Bump In The Night™ Spaghetti Strap V-neck Bow Detail Nursing Nightgown
I would love to have Sleep Sheep Soothing Sounds.
Bcbg Sleeveless V-neck High-low Hem Maternity Top
I love the Sleeveless Belted Maternity dress from the Pea in the Pod Collection
Spaghetti Strap Scoop Neck Lace Trim Nursing Nightgown
Getting Off To A Good Start Breastfeeding Class seems like a good class to take
I like the Quilted Puffer Coat
I love the Jessica Simpson Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Side Ruched Maternity Tank Top such a pretty blue!
the Happiest Baby on the Block class sounds great!
I would love the dresses and bras!
St.Louis Cardinals MLB baby bodysuit
Sibling Class
I would love one of the maxi skirts but I’m only going to be pregnant for another 2.5 months and have plenty of maternity clothes so I would stock up on nursing bras.
I love – Beyond Vintage Sleeveless Empire Waist Maternity Maxi Dress
I really need maternity tops, I would love to have the Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Hacci Knit Maternity Tunic!
I’d love to take the gift of motherhood-the series class and the natural childbirth and epidural classes because I am trying to make a decision about that.
I love the clip down nursing tanks
I like the pull down nursing top
I like the breastfeeding classes
I would love to have the Elbow Sleeve Pull Down Double Opening Button Detail Nursing Top
Nursing bras! Please oh Please!
Sleeveless Babydoll Maternity Dress
I need denim shorts to make it through summer.
I would love a cute maxi dress 🙂
Love the Sleeveless Babydoll Maternity Dress.
The online class is a great idea!
I would love to have a good pair of jeans that fit!!! 🙂
The Baby Bunch Support Group ! sounds great! WHo wouldnt benefit from this class.
A really great nursing bra! I always put that on the back burner.
I like the BCBG 3/4 Sleeve Wrap Maternity Dress A Pea In The Pod Collection
My wife would like Jessica Simpson Long Sleeve Lace Trim Maternity Dress.
I like the Sleeveless Drape Neck Sash Belt Maternity Top
Boot Camp for New Dads : Sponsored by Healthy Start Coalition inc. 2013 Dates looks like a great class
I’d love the Loved by Heidi Klum Striped Bandage Dress!
I cannot believe how big my belly is the 2nd time around and only at 8 weeks! I need some maternity clothes! Can’t wait to go shopping and not feel my pants digging in anymore.
I AM CURRENTLY 25 WEEKS PREG!
AND I LOVE THE
Plus Size Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Lightweight Maternity T Shirt
Product #: 94377
Maternity/Nursing Bras as well as tops!
love those clip down nursing tank tops
I would love the sleeveless belted maternity shirt!
Getting Off to a Good Start Breastfeeding Class
Sleeveless Lace Maternity Dress
The Belly Bar Boost Nutrition Bars look very tasty!
I really like Jessica Simpson Short Sleeve V-neck Beaded Detail Maternity Tunic
I like the sibling class- what a great idea!
I think the Sibling Class could be useful.
I think the Button Front Maternity Coat would make a great gift.
I llike the Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Hacci Knit Maternity Tunic
The Gift Of Motherhood-Online Class looks very interesting!