November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time when we come together to recognize the strength of preterm babies and the dedicated care they receive in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the country. For many families, the NICU journey is filled with uncertainty, but it also highlights the power of compassion, community, and the incredible impact of donor human milk.
One such story is that of Franco, lovingly called Franquito. Franco was born at 38 weeks, but his birth was far from typical. His umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and leg, restricting his airway and making it difficult for him to breathe. In addition, he was underweight for his gestational age. As soon as Franco arrived, he was rushed to the NICU, where doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to stabilize him.
During his time in the NICU, Franco received donor human milk — an essential part of his recovery. Magali, Franco’s mother, credits the donor milk for helping her son grow stronger every day. “It gave him the strength he needed to thrive,” she said. After just five days in the NICU, Franco was able to go home — a moment of pure joy and relief for his family.
But Franco’s story doesn’t end there. Inspired by the life-saving benefits of donor milk, Magali made a powerful decision. She wanted to pay it forward and help other babies like Franco. “I knew that at that moment, I wanted to do the same for another child in need,” she reflected. Her experience as a NICU mother inspired her to become a breast milk donor, sharing her own milk with families who rely on it to nourish their premature babies.
Magali’s journey is a testament to the strength of the NICU community and the profound impact that donor milk can have on a preterm baby’s health and survival. Donor milk, when a mother’s own milk is unavailable, is a safe, medically approved option that provides essential nutrients, immune protection, and healing properties for babies who are critically ill or born prematurely. For Franco, it was a lifeline — and now, thanks to Magali’s generosity, more babies will benefit from the same gift.
In honor of Prematurity Awareness Month, we celebrate the selflessness of mothers like Magali who make the choice to donate milk, helping to ensure that no baby is left behind in the fight for a healthy start. By sharing her story, Magali hopes to inspire others to consider becoming a donor, ensuring that more families have access to the resources they need in their time of crisis.
Prematurity is a reality that many families face, but with the help of donor milk and the support of compassionate communities, we can make a difference. If you are able, consider donating your milk to help a baby in need, or spread the word to raise awareness of how critical this gift is for premature infants.
Together, we can make this Prematurity Awareness Month a reminder of the power of giving — because every drop counts, and every story, like Franco’s, deserves a happy ending.