World Breastfeeding Week and Milk Sharing

This week is World Breastfeeding Week. Read about it here.

If you've been on my blog over the past few months you know that when Adelle was born I had major issues breastfeeding her. I had no clue what I was doing and just couldn't seem to get the hang of it. It was painful and caused me anxiety attacks. I'm still sad about those first few months, but I've accepted it and moved on. I've been able to do that mainly because of the support and help I received from Paul, his family, and some amazing mamas (Diana, I am particularly grateful for you).

There were many times during the first months of Adelle's life that I thought I'd have to give up and go to formula. The thought of it really tore me up. I practically made myself crazy to keep up breastfeeding and hoped to develope that bond I so wished for between Adelle and I. Because of the organization HM4HB (Human Milk for Human Babies) I have been able to continue breastfeeding Adelle and supplement her with donor milk from other mothers. While this is an intensely personal decision and one I'm sure many people may think strange, I feel the need to talk about it here in order to bring some light to the subject of milksharing.

I realize that most people in our society may think me crazy for not just giving Adelle formula, but I feel strongly that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for her (and there is loads of scientific evidence to support that). I certainly don't judge anyone for their decision if they've given their child formula. I myself was formula fed after the age of three months. However, if I have the choice of giving my child another woman's milk over formula I will choose breast milk every time. We drink cow's milk for goodness sake--why would it be strange or weird to give my baby another woman's milk? And if I had the ability I would gladly give my milk away. I would wet nurse if I could.

Think about it mamas of the world....if there were a hungry baby in front of you that needed to be fed and you were lactating....would you? Why or why not? I would and I would hope someone would do the same for my baby. There's nothing more natural in my eyes.

I am forever grateful for the women who have so generously shared in their abundant milk. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of the gift they've given my daughter and the peace of mind they've brought me. HM4HB is a relatively new organization. You can find chapters all over the globe on Facebook. Here is an interview with the founder of HM4HB, Emma Kwasnica. In it, she says:

What is your ultimate goal with HM4HB?


Emma: It is already happening. I am seeing healthier babies everywhere as a result of families having access to donor milk for them. If HM4HB provides access for even ONE baby to have human milk (who would otherwise be getting powdered infant formula), then my goal is accomplished. The other end goal for me is seeing women come BACK together, working together to feed the babies. Just as it used to be. The camraderie and the community-building between families that is taking place as a result of the sharing of human milk is wonderful. I am so thrilled HM4HB is bringing families together like this!

Well, it has happened. So, thank you Emma and thank you to all the women who have ever donated milk to a child. You are all Godesses in my eyes!