Let’s think about this for a moment, why are we questioning whether milksharing is right or wrong? It’s lifesharing! Many of us do not hesitate to donate blood for others in our country. According to the American Red Cross someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. There is no substitute. It saves lives. Many of us don’t donate blood, but we don’t question whether or not this is the “right thing to do” because we know it is. We know donated blood saves lives.
Why is human milk any different from blood?
Questioning whether milksharing, or donating milk is appropriate or not is simply depriving others of life. Depriving our youngest, most innocent, most dependent, the next generation of life, is simply against our design. As a Christian and first time mom I am a strong believer in giving life. Jesus is the Ultimate Life giver, of course, of Eternal Life. He not only offered His BLOOD, He sacrificed His Life for us so that we could have eternal life with Him. Ponder the analogy here, Blood=Life (according to the Red Cross), Christ’s Blood=Eternal Life (John 3:16); breastmilk = best nutrition and best life (physically for both baby & mom), God’s word: Holy Bible = best nutrition, best spiritual life (John 1:1-14 & John 6:53-58 ) . Wow!
God has blessed women as Life givers to the human race. We give birth, and we nourish life! Our milk, which God in His infinite wisdom purposely designed in our bodies to produce once we have given birth, is a life giver! He placed it within us to provide for others, the most fragile of others. He designed it perfectly as He has created all things. It’s the perfect temperature, it is the most complete form of nutrition for infants, and studies show infants that are breastfed or consume breast milk score higher on IQ test, especially if the baby is born premature. Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses which in turn decrease doctor’s visits and medical issues, including medical bills.
I was determined to breastfeed my son. I knew it was best. I thought this going to be easy, God designed my body to provide nourishment for my son. I was wrong. It wasn’t easy. It was painstaking, sleep depriving and quite simply HARD WORK. Yet after 4 weeks, 4 extremely long, torturous “sacrificial” weeks of pumping non-stop after each breastfeeding attempt, sore nipples and tired peepers, it paid off. My son figured out his perfect latch and could suck! Now he is a healthy, strong 9 month old. He has only ran a fever twice in these first nine months, and although the first weeks were challenging, and he lost a full pound and had to be poked for blood work, it was worth it!
Honestly I haven’t really given much thought about sharing my breastmilk with other moms. Not until I came across an article in BabyTalk magazine, August 2008, “Other’s mother’s milk” “Is breast milk still best when it’s not your own?” written by Stephanie Wood
My reply is simple, “Is blood still best when it’s not your own?” And I’m guessing the majority of the population would agree “YES it is… it’s life saving”… and I would say mommy’s milk is life giving, and life saving even if it’s not your own!!
My own mom, who breastfed four children in the late 60’s and throughout the 70’s , donated milk. While breastfeeding me pumped her breastmilk for a little baby boy who was unable to digest formula (and she didn’t have the fancy electric pumps we have today, she used a hand pump.)
So it’s my turn to discover how I can share my breastmilk to help another… to be a life giver, giving like Christ, sacrificial giving for other infants in need.
Why is human milk any different from blood?
Questioning whether milksharing, or donating milk is appropriate or not is simply depriving others of life. Depriving our youngest, most innocent, most dependent, the next generation of life, is simply against our design. As a Christian and first time mom I am a strong believer in giving life. Jesus is the Ultimate Life giver, of course, of Eternal Life. He not only offered His BLOOD, He sacrificed His Life for us so that we could have eternal life with Him. Ponder the analogy here, Blood=Life (according to the Red Cross), Christ’s Blood=Eternal Life (John 3:16); breastmilk = best nutrition and best life (physically for both baby & mom), God’s word: Holy Bible = best nutrition, best spiritual life (John 1:1-14 & John 6:53-58 ) . Wow!
God has blessed women as Life givers to the human race. We give birth, and we nourish life! Our milk, which God in His infinite wisdom purposely designed in our bodies to produce once we have given birth, is a life giver! He placed it within us to provide for others, the most fragile of others. He designed it perfectly as He has created all things. It’s the perfect temperature, it is the most complete form of nutrition for infants, and studies show infants that are breastfed or consume breast milk score higher on IQ test, especially if the baby is born premature. Breastfed babies have fewer illnesses which in turn decrease doctor’s visits and medical issues, including medical bills.
I was determined to breastfeed my son. I knew it was best. I thought this going to be easy, God designed my body to provide nourishment for my son. I was wrong. It wasn’t easy. It was painstaking, sleep depriving and quite simply HARD WORK. Yet after 4 weeks, 4 extremely long, torturous “sacrificial” weeks of pumping non-stop after each breastfeeding attempt, sore nipples and tired peepers, it paid off. My son figured out his perfect latch and could suck! Now he is a healthy, strong 9 month old. He has only ran a fever twice in these first nine months, and although the first weeks were challenging, and he lost a full pound and had to be poked for blood work, it was worth it!
Honestly I haven’t really given much thought about sharing my breastmilk with other moms. Not until I came across an article in BabyTalk magazine, August 2008, “Other’s mother’s milk” “Is breast milk still best when it’s not your own?” written by Stephanie Wood
My reply is simple, “Is blood still best when it’s not your own?” And I’m guessing the majority of the population would agree “YES it is… it’s life saving”… and I would say mommy’s milk is life giving, and life saving even if it’s not your own!!
My own mom, who breastfed four children in the late 60’s and throughout the 70’s , donated milk. While breastfeeding me pumped her breastmilk for a little baby boy who was unable to digest formula (and she didn’t have the fancy electric pumps we have today, she used a hand pump.)
So it’s my turn to discover how I can share my breastmilk to help another… to be a life giver, giving like Christ, sacrificial giving for other infants in need.
My 1st attempt at breastfeeding The struggle here at almost 4 wks! Don't I look sleep deprived? And Now, at 9 months!!Please share your thoughts with me!
2 comments:
Hey friend, it was so nice visiting with you.
I support your decision and I'm so proud of your desire to help others! You are going to be such a blessing!
This is a personal decision, yet one I cannot see how anyone can find fault. Wim's got milk!
Yay for you Wim! I love this, I love this, I love this! It's such a gift that not every mom can give, and I'm so glad that you can share, too! Go WIM!
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