Breastfeeding Awareness Month celebrates the significant health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants. For families facing hurdles with breastfeeding who still wish to provide their babies with the nutritional benefits of human breast milk, donor milk offers a solution. Donor human milk, collected by lactating mothers who have excess milk supply, is carefully collected, screened, processed, and distributed by milk banks to support infants in need. We talked with two supporters involved with Mocha Mamas Milk, a breastfeeding research and support initiative co-led by the College of Nursing’s Dr. Tisha Felder and Dr. Joynelle Jackson, to share their journey with donor milk.

Common barriers faced by new mothers that can impact milk supply:

• Health Complications
• Breastfeeding Difficulties
• Environmental Conditions
• Socioeconomic Challenges

"Human milk is unparalleled in providing infants with essential nutrients and antibodies. Access to donor milk removes obstacles for mothers who cannot provide their own, ensuring their infants still receive the nourishment they need to grow and thrive."

- Dr. Tisha Felder

In 2016, DeOnna Greenwood’s first pregnancy was marked by an early labor. Her newborn son faced challenges with latching due to his small size. During this challenging period, her Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse introduced her to the concept of donor milk. The nurse explained that donor milk could offer crucial nutrition for her premature baby, highlighting its potential benefits. This conversation was a pivotal moment for DeOnna, as it helped her recognize the immense value of donor milk. As the weeks went by, DeOnna discovered she was an overproducer—her milk supply far exceeded her baby’s needs. Her nurse shared the surplus milk could be donated to other infants facing similar challenges. Eager to support other families in need, DeOnna embraced the opportunity to donate her excess milk during both pregnancies, totaling over 10,000 ounces of milk donated.

Longtime breastfeeding advocate, Jessica Vann, discovered she was an overproducer during her first pregnancy in 2012, when she noticed the large quantities of milk she was able to store and provide for her child until age two. Motivated by her experience, she decided to become a milk donor during her second pregnancy in 2018, successfully supplying milk not only for her own daughter but also for five other babies. Jessica has also witnessed the tangible benefits of donated milk firsthand. When her sister gave birth to twins, Jessica's sister chose to use donor milk from the hospital’s milk bank, rather than formula, to meet the increased caloric needs of her newborns, highlighting a crucial instance where donated breast milk can significantly support a family in need.