Why This Mom Didn't Think Twice About Sharing Her Breast Milk With Another Baby

"I shared my breast milk with a baby in need and in no way, was my baby deprived of his feeds."

My prenatal and Lamaze classes, that I attended during pregnancy, opened my eyes to the acute importance of Breast Milk. It took trust in my ability to simply dive into exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). And I did.

My faith is breastfeeding grew by leaps and bounds as I fed my baby. When you feed the baby, you ain't just feeding but also sending out vibes, energy, and blessings. I enjoyed it!

One evening, I received a message - "A mom had delivered her baby girl but the child had to undergo an emergency surgery. The mother was grappling with the situation physically and emotionally. Her breast milk supply is affected. Can anyone express and share their breast milk?"

I did not need to think twice. I offered. There was simply no way a 5-day-old baby would be sans breast milk. A part of me cringed at the very thought of needles and tubes passing through her small frame. She needed it. It would heal her. Period.

I spoke with Nabonita, the Mommy, and scheduled a time for her to pick up the breast milk, allowing me sufficient time to express enough milk for the baby. I also spoke to my husband and my mom about it. They never asked me a question. My mom started me on an "increase milk" diet!

I gave Nabonita about 60 ml and I felt guilty about it being so less. She surprised me saying, "Ritu, this is more than sufficient for 2 feeds!" I was dumbstruck! Really?! I never realised as we never quantify milk while breastfeeding. I saw her smile. We hugged. I knew her daughter in the hospital was going to be just fine.

We continued this for a few days until Nabonita was able to feed baby Mia independently. Today, Mia is one naughty, hale and hearty angel!

If all a newborn requires anywhere between 10-120 ml of milk, why aren't more breast feeding mothers coming forth? Why do we not want to share our milk, our energy with a child? I shared and in no way did my supply dip, nor did I deprive my child of his feeds. In no way did Mia get an infection from my milk.