Exciting Opportunities Abound for the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin in 2011!

We’ve been absent from the blogging world for a while, but that is because 2010 was an extremely busy and exciting year for the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin. Thanks to healthy breastfeeding moms who recognize the need to donate to the neediest babies, we approved over 400 milk donors and pasteurized and dispensed approximately 290,000 ounces of milk in 2010 – that’s more than 2,250 gallons! Preterm birth rates remain high and the challenges for their own moms to produce milk remains an obstacle. To meet more of the demand, we hope to approve 500 donors in 2011 and increase our dispensed milk by 10%! These goals are two of many for our ever-expanding organization as we strive to improve outcomes for the medically fragile infant in the safest way possible. Our ultimate goal is always to serve more babies and save more lives!

One of the exciting projects we have been working on is the Donor Alumnae program for retired donors. We introduced the Alumnae group back in May and since then we have grown to nearly 50 members. Alumnae serve to continue the relationship between the Milk Bank and families who donated. It’s a great way to meet and relate with other moms as well, and we’re putting together plans to have everyone get together throughout the year – just for fun! We are thrilled about the idea of being able to deepen our relationship with donors and to offer inspiring ideas for mothers to continue to be involved with saving lives. If you would like more information about the Alumnae group, please contact Kara White, Outreach Coordinator, at kara@milkbank.org or (512)579-3971.

Another important factor in spreading the awareness about milk banking is also spreading the word about the amazing benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to bond with your baby and give your child a nutritional foundation that will last a lifetime. But it isn’t always easy. Many moms struggle with the logistics of breastfeeding in a society that isn’t always willing to accommodate them. That’s why having support and information is so vital for breastfeeding success. Thanks to the internet, moms are able to get encouragement and education even if they live in a remote area or face negativity from family members, neighbors and friends about their choice to breastfeed their babies. Here are some ways that you can help promote and support breastfeeding:
1. Give a Nursing Gift.
A nursing "care package" can be a fantastic baby shower or new baby gift. Fill a basket with supplies to make a nursing mom's life a little easier.
2. Offer up Your Time.
Often times, new moms need lots of help. Offer to wash the dishes, do laundry, clean or cook a meal while mommy nurses.
3. Highlight the Benefits.
Make sure that husbands and/or partners know all about the benefits of breastfeeding, especially how much money they are saving!
4. Go Out in Public.
It may be hard at first, but a great way to feel good about breastfeeding and comfortable in your environment is to make it a normal part of your life. Breastfeed wherever you are.
5. Acknowledge Other Nursing Moms.
When you see other moms nursing in public, give them a smile or a nod or make a comment about how wonderful it is to see other nursing mommies. It’s a great boost of confidence for you both.
6. Talk About Breastfeeding.
If moms start talking about all of their breastfeeding challenges and obstacles, try to focus on the good and talk about your positive breastfeeding experience.
It is our duty, as a leading industrialized country, to change the perception about breastfeeding in our culture. We are slowly making progress, but every little step counts! We hope that you will join us in meeting our goals for 2011 and do your part in spreading awareness and information about milk banking and breastfeeding.