So....today is September 15th, 2011....and just a few days shy of a year since I gave birth to my 4th baby here at home.
In the past year, many wonderful and exciting things have happened while I watch and encourage my children as they grow, but one thing has really left an impression on me. Many of you who know me personally or are friends on Facebook have seen MANY posts relating to breastfeeding and milk sharing. Some of you have seen me on TV promoting various things pertaining to breastfeeding. (If not, you can see them HERE and in the background HERE.) I joined up with the milk sharing group Eats On Feets to help admin the Texas chapter and I am now in a learning program to become a Breastfeeding Counselor for Breastfeeding USA, a new resource for breastfeeding moms here in the United States. Needless to say, I'm very passionate about breastfeeding and giving our babies the very best.
I posted earlier this year about the beginning of my journey into the world of milk sharing. Now, almost a year later, I can say that these experiences have truly been life changing. To date, I have donated 2,450 oz of breast milk to 14 different mamas and their babies as well as to the Mother's Milk Bank of North Texas. I just made my last donation last week to a mama who was using it to feed her adopted baby girl breast milk as she wasn't doing well on any of the formulas they had tried. I have donated to babies with various medical issues from FTT to genetic disorders. I have donated to perfectly healthy babies. I have donated to friends' babies. I have made some wonderful friends in the process as well, and I can't say enough amazing things about breast milk donation. As much as the recipients think they have been blessed, I have certainly been blessed more! My heart is so full of joy knowing that while I am not able to go out and volunteer as much of my time as I would like to various causes, I can give the best gift I can to other moms and babies. And THAT is what it means to be in community with those around you. THAT'S what it means to be a part of the 'village' it takes to bring up our children. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to help others and to see first hand how wonderful breast milk truly is for our little ones.
I am no longer pumping, and I'm actually sad about it. But, I know that there are many other moms out there who are giving the same awesome gift to other moms and babies in need, and I will continue to be a part of milk sharing through Eats On Feets Texas. I will never forget the feeling of handing off milk in the parking lot of Starbucks, or the look in the precious baby's eyes when I meet them, or the look of gratitude on the parents' faces. I simply gave what I already had and was blessed beyond measure.
I encourage everyone to have this kind of joy in their lives, in some way. You may not be able to donate milk, but maybe you could donate of your time or your money to help others. Find joy in life....there are many opportunities waiting for you right now! Don't just go through life, LIVE IT! You'll be amazed with the results. I know I am.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 (CEV) : Instruct them to do as many good deeds as they can and to help everyone. Remind the rich to be generous and share what they have. This will lay a solid foundation for the future, so that they will know what true life is like.
