Supporting Our Tiniest members of our families and community with Stories of Hope and Healing
November marks National Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by babies born too soon. In the United States, 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely, and these infants require specialized care and resources to thrive. At Mothers’ Milk Bank California, we are dedicated to supporting these vulnerable members of our families and communities by providing safe, donor human milk—an essential resource that helps babies in the NICU grow, heal, and thrive.
The Lifesaving Role of Donor Milk
For preterm infants, donor human milk provides the essential nutrients and antibodies their bodies need for development. Research shows that preemies who receive human milk have a lower risk of serious infections, shorter hospital stays, and improved outcomes compared to those who are formula-fed. In NICUs across the country, donor milk has become a critical part of neonatal care, and the impact is profound.
A NICU Nurse’s Journey from Hardship to Hope
Vanessa, a Registered Dietitian in a level IV NICU in Sacramento, has seen firsthand the life-changing impact of donor milk on her smallest patients. Working in one of the largest NICUs in the region, she depends on donor milk daily to support the fragile babies she cares for.
Yet, when Vanessa had her own baby, her breastfeeding journey wasn’t easy. Her son, Harrison, struggled to latch, and Vanessa found herself in an exhausting cycle of bottle-feeding, formula, triple-feeding, and pumping to establish her supply. With persistence, support from her pediatrician, and guidance from an osteopath, Vanessa and Harrison found their rhythm, and she was able to build a freezer supply she no longer needed as much as she thought she would.
How You Can Help During National Prematurity Awareness Month
We’re so grateful for donor mothers like Vanessa, who not only provide their own babies with precious nutrition but also give back to help other families and premature babies thrive. This November, you can join us in supporting the mission to provide donor milk for preemies who need it most.
Become a Donor: If you have extra milk, consider donating it. Every ounce can make a life-changing difference for a premature baby. Learn more about our donation process.
Share Your Story: If you or a loved one has been touched by prematurity, sharing your story can help raise awareness and inspire others to consider milk donation.
Spread the Word: Follow us on social media, share our posts, and help us inform others about the importance of donor human milk for preemies. You can also make an impact by referring a mom who may be interested in becoming a milk donor, helping us reach more babies in need of this life saving support.
With each donation, we’re giving premature babies the strength to grow, heal, and thrive. Together, let’s make National Prematurity Awareness Month a time to honor, support, and give hope to the tiniest members of our families and community.