A good friend's twin babies were born early and needed donor milk. Seeing how stressful this was for her inspired me to become a donor with Mothers Milk Bank at Austin. The process was thorough but easy and they were incredibly supportive. So glad we were able to support this great group.
I am a second time donor to Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin. My first time was in 2017, when I had my second child shortly after my niece was born at 31 weeks. She was 3 pounds and 15 inches. I felt very helpless visiting her in the NICU, and donating milk gave me the opportunity to feel useful. I was able to donate 1664 ounces with her. I had my third child in February. It was already my plan to donate, but the pandemic only intensified my resolve. I started pumping once a day to donate at 1 week postpartum. My daughter is 8 months old, and, not including my most recent shipment, I have donated 1188 ounces. My goal is to beat the amount I donated last time.
Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin makes it easy to donate. I live in Virginia. They arranged for me to get my blood test about 2 miles from my house and paid for it directly. They provide coolers in which to ship the milk and provide clear instructions on how to use the dry ice and ship the cooler. They cover all of the shipping costs. The only thing I pay for is the dry ice, but they will reimburse you for it (I haven't gone through the reimbursement process because I consider it part of my donation.
I would highly recommend donating to Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin. It is a worthy cause - whether you're donating milk or money.
After I decided to get out of the Army and become a stay at home mom I was worried that I wouldn't get to feel like I was making a difference anymore. However, by adding 1 extra pumping session at night I'm able to donate my extra breastmilk to babies in need and it is so rewarding!! Highly recommend doing whatever you can to help this amazing organization!