EDIT! I have received an AMAZING flood of responses from mommies literally worldwide offering love, support, prayers and resources! I’ve also had a huge number of local Pensacola mommies offering milk donations and networking options to get me the milk I need for Tessa. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO HAS REACHED OUT!!! I knew it before, but it’s undeniable now… breastfeeding mommies ROCK! As I’ve said in a previous post, it just floors me that this unborn baby that means the world to me, has other mommies out there who are caring for and looking out for her too! I’m beginning to realize what it means when people say that “things feel different once you’re a mother”. All these e-mails, calls, texts, messages and donations are not just an act of generosity to me, they are an act of kindness toward my DAUGHTER. I don’t know how to begin to thank all of you!
I haven’t been able to respond to too many people on my phone (my service has been so sketchy!) but I am finally back to the local Starbucks for Internet access (these guys must love me) so I will be getting to work responding to the messages I’ve received. THANK YOU AGAIN EVERYONE!! YOU HAVE BLESSED ME MORE THAN WORDS CAN EXPRESS!!!!
This is somewhat urgent. My friends freezer that contained my entire stash of donor breast milk was somehow unplugged and all of the milk has been spoiled. I am currently looking for breast milk donations for my daughter Tessa, who is due sometime in the next week or two.
I was born with tuberous breasts hypoplasia. The condition affects the ability of women to breastfeed because the milk glands usually do not develop enough to produce breast milk. After finding various (thankfully noncancerous) lumps in my breasts as a teenager, my doctor decided to remove them, and in the process perform reconstructive plastic surgery. Due to the hypoplasia in my breasts, I had excess fibrosis connective tissue, and so as the lumps were being removed via free nipple graft, they had to take far more tissue than at first anticipated. I ended up receiving a partial mastectomy, which removed my milk glands and damaged the nerves around my areola – sealing the deal that I would never be able to produce breast milk and breastfeed in the future.
As many of you know, this is my first child. I always planned to provide breast milk for my daughter via donors. With my history of asthma and allergies I knew breast would most certainly be best for Tessa. I planned to procure breast milk and feed her with the Lact-Aid nurser. Around the second trimester I began seeking breast milk donors and was lucky enough to find a sweet gal who donated on a weekly basis for MONTHS… even including the first weeks colostrum heavy milk from her newborn son. I moved to Pensacola, Florida from Hanford, California a few weeks ago to join my husband as he attends A School in the Navy.
The plan was to have my friend (who was storing the milk in her deep freezer) overnight the milk to me. I just learned today that the freezer somehow unplugged and that all of the milk is completely spoiled. I currently have no breast milk for my daughter. I’m devastated. And I am back to looking for donors.
I’m a bit frantic. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve been crying like a baby all day long. Since we still don’t have internet in the new apartment I’m writing this from a Starbucks and crying at my laptop in public like a freak. I hate feeling so helpless, so inadequate, so unable to provide food for my baby. Knowing how important the nutrients breast milk provides is, I feel sick that I cannot produce this for my daughter, myself.
And I hate asking people for donations. As I said in a previous blog post – I don’t know how to go about broaching the subject to people who might be able to help. And I certainly didn’t anticipate how painful inadvertent questions, suggestions or inquiries would be on the topic of breastfeeding. “Are you planning to breastfeed?” “You really should consider breastfeeding, it’s so important for a baby.” “How long do you plan to breastfeed?” “Have you produced any milk yet?” I get ashamed, embarrassed and defensive all at once and then feel awkward and bumbling when it comes to asking for help or resources.
Anyway. I’m looking for donations. If anyone can help, please let me know. You can e-mail me at gingifreeman@gmail.com
I’m about to make the rounds online, trying to locate generous moms in the area that might be able to feed my little girl. Please keep me and Tessa in your prayers?
Domestic Geek Girl 
I reblogged this on my blog (http://the-catrons.blogspot.com/)and posted in a crunchy moms group on facebook that I am a part of. I live in Pensacola as well, and know several women who might be able to help you. Please feel free to get back with me, and I can see about getting you in the group so you can reach out to some like-minded women who can help. (:
I am praying that someone will help you with your need for breast milk, but it breaks my heart that you are suffering so over this. You will be a great mother, whether or not you get all the breast milk you need. I truly believe that God gave you this child despite your breast issues and that your child will be healthy even if you need to give him/her formula. It is not a failure on your part not to be able to breast feed. There are thousands of good mothers out there who cannot breast feed for whatever reason, and have healthy, happy babies. It is worse for your baby to have a totally stressed out mom with breast milk than a calm happy mom without it. Praying for you and will share your post.
Don’t cry. Ironically, I received this post from a friend while I was pumping milk for my 3 month old daughter. My friend and I are both military wives. I’m going to Pensacola on Sept. 19th and I have a small freezer full of milk, plus I can give you fresh milk while I’m there. Can you wait until the 19th?
I would love to help you. I am located in Pensacola. I sent you an email. 🙂
Wish you were still in Hanford! I’m in Clovis up near Fresno. My baby is 3 months. I have some in my freezer. Maybe only 50 oz. though. If there is a good way to get it to you, it’s yours. I’m totally clean. Never done drugs. Don’t drink or smoke. Email me if you can use it.
You are in my prayers & everything is going to be okay! You are in one of THE best places in the country you can be because Sacred Heart Hospital (in Pensacola) is a Women’s Hospital (more info here but read this later. http://www.sacred-heart.org/womenshospital/)
Just remind yourself things happen for a reason. I know it’s not comforting now, but who knows… Maybe the shipment was going to get delayed or lost. Now you at least have a little time to re-stock & find new options. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths & try to relax for you & baby!
FIRST, let me put the important info up here at the top:
Contact Sacred Heart Hospital’s NICU! There are probably multiple Momma’s there that would be thrilled to donate breast milk. At the very least, I bet the nurses/staff can direct you to some help!
Wait! I just found The Nesting Place info (they have a whole breast feeding support center!)
http://www.sacred-heart.org/childbirth/breastfeeding.asp
The phone number is: 850-416-NEST
Okay, now that you have that info (you can come back & read this after you have called them)…
You’re life has so many similarities to my own, but a bit in reverse order. It’s kinda weird how similar! I moved from Northern CA (Paradise) to Pensacola, FL just after graduating high school. I got married 2 wks before graduation. A few weeks prior my husband (who was 7 yrs older & in graduate school when we met) was accepted to Naval flight school (AOCS) in Pensacola.
I’d planned to wait around 4-5 yrs (after finishing nursing school) to have babies but 6 months later found myself pregnant. I hadn’t missed a single birth control pill, no antibiotics, etc., and because my husband had very few hours (if any) away from the barracks I know the minute I got prego, lol!
Long story short: I ended up in pre-term labor @26wks, stopped with oral meds. By 28 wks I’d been admitted to the Naval Hospital & days later transferred to Sacred Heart in Pensacola because they had a NICU. I spent 8 wks there on IV meds, went home (insert long story here, lol) and then, 24 months before I turned 20, I delivered my son (full term!) at Sacred Heart Hospital. We still ended up in NICU x’s 2wks because of severe complications during the birth, the gory details are not necessary just before you’re due. The short story: he was born dead after an emergency c-sect. I almost died. He just turned 26. Although I’ve had 9 miscarriages I ended up with a son & a daughter & they each have 2 beautiful babies.
I will share more of my story (breast surgery, milk ducts removed, etc) later but I want to post the above info for you now. I just KNOW things will work out.
Sending hugs!
I live in Fresno…..contact Hillori Hansen she is the Westin Price Leader here…..we have a very strong community of Breastfed families. wHEN YOU MUST USE FORMULA you can make it homemade with Raw Goats Milk…..it’s next best thing.
Yes! Please get in touch with the above links to Sacred Heart Hospital! I live in Pensacola and The Nesting Place should have very helpful information!! Praying for you Momma!
I wish I could help. My son no longer BFs, and all I have are 10oz that I should long have since throw out but can’t bring myself to.
You are in my prayers & everything is going to be okay! You are in one of THE best places in the country you can be because Sacred Heart Hospital (in Pensacola) is a Women’s Hospital (more info here but read this later. http://www.sacred-heart.org/womenshospital/)
Just remind yourself things happen for a reason. I know it’s not comforting now, but who knows… Maybe the shipment was going to get delayed or lost. Now you at least have a little time to re-stock & find new options. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths & try to relax for you & baby!
FIRST, let me put the important info up here at the top:
Contact Sacred Heart Hospital’s NICU! There are probably multiple Momma’s there that would be thrilled to donate breast milk. At the very least, I bet the nurses/staff can direct you to some help!
Wait! I just found The Nesting Place info (they have a whole breast feeding support center!)
http://www.sacred-heart.org/childbirth/breastfeeding.asp
The phone number is: 850-416-NEST
Okay, now that you have that info (you can come back & read this after you have called them)…
You’re life has so many similarities to my own, but a bit in reverse order. It’s kinda weird how similar! I moved from Northern CA (Paradise) to Pensacola, FL just after graduating high school. I got married 2 wks before graduation. A few weeks prior my husband (who was 7 yrs older & in graduate school when we met) was accepted to Naval flight school (AOCS) in Pensacola.
I’d planned to wait around 4-5 yrs (after finishing nursing school) to have babies but 6 months later found myself pregnant. I hadn’t missed a single birth control pill, no antibiotics, etc., and because my husband had very few hours (if any) away from the barracks I know the minute I got prego, lol!
Long story short: I ended up in pre-term labor @26wks, stopped with oral meds. By 28 wks I’d been admitted to the Naval Hospital & days later transferred to Sacred Heart in Pensacola because they had a NICU. I spent 8 wks there on IV meds, went home (insert long story here, lol) and then, 4 months before I turned 20, I delivered my son (full term!) at Sacred Heart Hospital. We still ended up in NICU x’s 2wks because of severe complications during the birth, the gory details are not necessary just before you’re due. The short story: he was born dead after an emergency c-sect. I almost died. He just turned 26. Although I’ve had 9 miscarriages I ended up with a son & a daughter & they each have 2 beautiful babies.
I’m happy to share more of my similar story later (breast surgery twice, milk ducts removed, etc) but wanted to get the above info to you ASAP!
By the way, you may want to check into the possibility of giving birth at Sacred Heart. The Naval Hospital is a good hospital but with your issues they may refer you out. I don’t know what the cost is now but back then (1987) for my delivery & his 2 wk NICU stay the total out of pocket was either $25/day or $400… whichever was less. My previous 8 week stay was covered. (I did have to pay $2/day to watch the about 8 channels of TV offered, lol.) Because of my situation I had to have my son at SHH. Not sure what all the requirements/loopholes are these days.
I live in Brevard county .. And would gladly donate 🙂
I sympathize with this lady but I have two kids … Now adults and they never breast fed. Both very healthy. It was not I didn’t Wang go breast feed…but this is a long.story. I would never have considered giving my children breast milk that came.from somebody else. Youbdo.not.know.what some ppl eat or put in their bodies. I rather use formula which is.what my.kids were raised on…than give.them.something that comes from someday else’s body.
Kathy I can understand your concern, however, donors are usually people who understand the importance of breast milk vs. formula. Breastfeeding requires a different type of diet that requires you to stay away from certain foods, alcoholic beverages, etc. Remember that a donor is also feeding their own child. I’m sure that a mother who takes great pride in knowing that breast is best, and has milk to share with other mothers who understand the same, isn’t such a bad choice after all.
Formula comes from “someone else’s body” too– a random cow, usually pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones. Cow milk has been proven to have high levels of pus and blood in it too. The milk is then pasteurized and dried to the point of having no nutritional content, so then synthetic (chemical) vitamins are added, which are difficult to absorb. Formula is also linked to a wide variety of health issues (even if your kids are healthy, science shows us formula is a significant health risk).
Donor milk, on the other hand, comes from a mother who is breastfeeding her own child. As long as she has no diseases that can be passed through breast milk (she wouldn’t be feeding her own child if she did…) and is not on drugs, donor milk is approximately a million times safer than formula.
Your concern is not valid. Please do research on breastmilk and how it is made from a body before you post things like this. Lactation takes your nutritients, not your diet, not the alcoholic beverage. Donors are usually very generous and kind people that have lost an infant or is feeding their own child. Before you go spreading your ignorance, research it and figure out exactly what you are talking about.
Kathy you are ignorant. Obviously she doesn’t want to give her baby formula or she wouldn’t be asking for help. The whole “my kids turned out just fine” is the such a crock of shit excuse people use to make themselves feel better about the choices they made. When you want to breastfeed your baby which breasts were intended for you WILL find a way. I will try & store some milk for you, I have to pump daily since I work & I understand the frustration that comes with not feeling like you can provide. I hope everything works out! Good for you for doing all that you can to give your baby what they need.
No need to attack those who formula fed because they could not breast feed even if they know breast is best. Not everyone knows/knew about donation services. While I do not agree with Kathy’s reply I also think it is unfair to attack those who gave their babies formula. It is NOT always a crock of S excuse. The public is told that formula is safe, formula is great and not every mom has the resources or knowledge available to know that there are better options. I was fortunate to be able to breastfeed, but I have seen many moms struggle with many reasons why they could not and even I did not know anything about these resources until the last couple of years.
I hope mama and baby find the donations they are looking for and need in order to provide the best immune support for baby.
I agree kathy! AND you can easily measure how much formula they get. I have 3 healthy adult children, and I would never have done it any other way!
I shared this with BreastfeedingUSA. I just donated my freezer stash and my daughter weaned, but I could probably pump a few ounces! Remember that a few ounces (even just one ounce) is enough for the first day. I hope this works out! 🙂
I live in pensacola and pump every day before the gym. I can give you milk. Email me. iamaqtphs2003@gmail.com or find me on face book with the above name.
Human Milk 4 Human Babies is a great place to start. They have a Facebook Page as well for your local area.
Also, the Breastfeeding Group on Cafemom has great resources as well. They are very knowledgeable and some of them donate as well.
prayers are with you XXX
Mommies are looking out for you, mama.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ClothDiaperChat/permalink/522296267844413/
I hope it helps!
God bless you sweetie. No worries. It will work out. Your child already has a great start because you love them so much.
I hope you are sorted out now. I am in the UK and my feeding days are over, so I cannot help directly, but I know how important it is and my thoughts are with you.
http://www.onlythebreast.com/ is a good resource. You may be able to find someone local and a lot of people donate milk, but you may have to pay for shipping if they are out of the area.
Have you checked out Eats on Feets? It’s mother-to-mother, so you don’t pay the fees you would at a milk bank. Here is a link to the facebook page of the Florida group.
https://www.facebook.com/EOFflorida
Have you tried going through either of these…..http://hm4hb.net/ or http://www.eatsonfeets.org/ ? If not you should really check them out. Both are a source for free breast milk donations. Good luck momma!
So so so sorry to hear about this. I know firsthand how hard it is to have your milk spoil, spill or be rendered useless! My thoughts are with you, I am well past the milk making stage or I would try and help. Hope you find your milk in time 🙂 Hang in there and don’t forget, regardless of breastfeeding or not, you are a strong and good mother. It doesn’t make you less of a mother because you can’t breastfeed. Seriously. Hang in there, my thoughts are with you!
I would offer to help but I am already committed to donate my extra to a mom I have been donating to for 7 months. If and when she no longer needs it you are more than welcome to my extra although I am in Indian River county so it may be a drive for you 😦 Eats on Feets and Human milk 4 human babies on FB have local chapters in Florida! (links below) I met my recipient mom through them! Best of luck!
https://www.facebook.com/EOFflorida
https://www.facebook.com/hm4hbflorida
Hi there! I found someone in Pensacola who has milk to share if you are still in need. She tried emailing you but the email address you have listed didn’t work. Her email address is Dreatopia10@aol.com 🙂 Hope this helps
Try Only the Breast.com: http://www.onlythebreast.com/
You can contact one of the HMBANA Milk Banks. https://www.hmbana.org/ It looks like the closest one is in Raleigh, NC, but each milk bank ships all over the US. Unfortunately, there is likely a fee associated and they are prioritizing fragile newborns. From previous comments, it sounds like you have some local options. If you take the route of receiving shipments from donors, just make sure you agree on the method of shipment and payment. You’ll want to use dry ice (which has to be shipped as a hazardous material) in an insulated box (if you can find one) and overnight shipping. Not cheap, but the best way to ensure that the shipment stays frozen. Best of luck and congratulations!
Hi I can provide you some 🙂 my daughter is 3 months and I can give probably 100 ounces right now and continue to pump for you 🙂 my number is 530 514 0572 please contact me and I can meet or ship to you!
Hi I shared your story on my FB page, a friend gave me a link I am going to leave for you. Good luck, I wish I were still breast feeding, I would donate in a red hot second. Sending prayers that you find a donor.
http://www.onlythebreast.com
Hopefully they are a good resource for you.
I may be able to help as I have a 3 month old and a stash of milk in my freezer. I’m not sure the logistics on making it work because I know milk changes as baby grows but I am willing to discuss making it happen. I know I won’t have enough to nourish your baby but maybe you could combine it with other donors? Feel free to email me. I livebin Milton by the way.
i am a fellow navy wife – i would recommend reaching out to the navy wives in your area
Bless you mama and all the wonderful milky mamas who are going to help you.
Join this group on FB!!!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/316544128361585/
Hundreds of us IGT moms nursing our babies! Some supp with formula, some with donor milk, some with goats milk formula. Some with bottle, some with SNS, some with lact aid and some home made!!!!!!! Lots of mommas to relate to and ask for advice!
My baby is 3 months old and Ebf (donor milk and lactaid) thanks to the help from this group!!
I live in SW Pensacola. I have a gallon bag in my freezer full of milk. I usually can fill a gallon bag a week with breastmilk. If, you can provide some storage bags I’ll be glad to help you out with some extra milk.
Hi there! I live further south in Naples but would gladly ship to you. I am still nursing my 11 month old and can pump at least 8 oz a day.
Let me know if I can be of help!
have you tried looking up the nearest breast banks around your? You can donate/ and receive Breast milk there. If I lived closer and if I were a bit further along and was lactating I would pump for you. 😦 My heart pours for you and hope you find someone who can help you ASAP. I’m advocate for breast feeding and feel it should be done first and foremost unless those out there just simply can’t. God bless, and those who are able to help, bless you as well. 🙂
I haven’t read all the comments, so this may have been mentioned, but on Facebook there’s Eats on Feet, which has an umbrella FB page and then regional pages you can post breast milk requests/offers on. I’m pretty sure Eats on Feet serves most or all of North America. Good luck! 🙂
I WISH I could pump for you & Tessa! My nursling is now 2 years old, so the pump no longer works for producing milk. 😦 However, I am pregnant – due in Feb-March, and will hopefully be able to pump then. If you’re still in need, I would consider it an honor to help. I’ll be back to check (if mommy brain allows me to remember, lol) around the time I should be having this baby. Of course, you can also email me – chelle bonney at gmaildotcom. If you’re ok with it, I’d like to send you a card – so email me your address if you’re comfortable.
Happy to be a part of this. http://joshandkrisloveadoption.blogspot.com/
I have at least two months frozen if you are interested. I’m in MI so not sure about shipping.
I have a little milk stash if you are interested. I live in Savannah, GA though so I don’t know how that would work. I would LOVE to help you if you want to email me at Squirrels74@gmail.com
What an amazing mommy already you are!
Kudos to you!!
My Dear, Sweet Child of God,
My heart goes out to you in your quest. Your blog entry struck a chord in a way that I can acutely feel because of some things that I have been through. Please, PLEASE know–you are NOT in ANY way, inadequate!
All parents face many challenges, and let’s face it–without God’s Grace, NONE of us are up to the INCREDIBLE challenge ahead of us as parents! EVERY parent has their own unique hurdles to overcome in providing that which our children need. Your cross may be different from most, in fact in toto, it is UNIQUELY crafted for you–but it was also tailor made for you, by God, to fit you and be NOTHING that you cannot handle. God has provided in you, in abundance, a great amount of love and the gift of foresight, as well as kind and generous friends who will help you give your child whatever she needs in this life for her to fulfill God’s role for her.
We have never met, but we HAVE exchanged a great deal of ideas through the years that I have known you. I know that you are an incredible woman, I’ll bet that you are an incredible wife, and I KNOW that you are going to be an AWESOME Mother to Tessa, one who will shower her with the most important things–love, your time, and a knowledge of God–in a way that God made you and you ALONE able to provide for her, and that NO ONE else could.
I am SO happy that you are receiving the gift of the most natural food for Tessa, but remember, no matter what the hurdle, God will either provide for you to overcome it, or will make you (and Tessa and Jonathan) stronger, either in overcoming it or developing another solution for it. One way or another, it will be well!
God love you ALL, Gingi, and we thank God for His one-time gifts of YOU and Jonathon (and now Tessa!) to this planet!
Richard Snouffer
Long-time correspondent, and I hope, friend.
Greetings Human!
My human has been purraying fur you and your baby human and human #2…so glad to hear you’re out of the hospital and your kitten (Tessa) is okay!
Purrs!
Shrimp
Please shoot me an email with your contact information or to let me know if you still need doners. I am local and have a very big back stock of milk and still pump everyday. Would love to help!
What is your email?? I have a good supply at the moment, but every little bit is another day my baby girl goes exclusively breast fed!! Thanks!