Dear NICU Baby,
I may not know your journey or your name, and it’s possible that our paths will never cross. Yet, I have faith that you are destined for greatness. All you need is that fighting chance, so keep pushing forward, little one. No matter how tough it gets, you must continue to fight.
And to your mother, I can only imagine the emotional rollercoaster she is enduring. Watching her precious child struggle must be incredibly painful. Both of you are in need of some extra support, and if my breast milk can contribute to your strength, it’s truly an honor for me. The countless hours I’ve dedicated to pumping, sanitizing, and preparing this milk for you are all worthwhile.
As a donor, I am motivated by many factors. There is often a misconception surrounding donor milk—some view it as unclean or believe that accepting it signifies defeat in nurturing their child. Many mothers yearn to provide their babies with breast milk but face challenges that make it difficult. This is where donors, like myself, play a vital role.
The stories of NICU babies and their families inspire me to persevere. My cousin is a neonatal nurse, and while she is unable to share specific details about her patients, she has conveyed to me the profound impact that even an ounce of breast milk can have on fragile infants. It offers an indescribable comfort and strength to little ones like you.
There’s a parent out there, feeling helpless as they watch their baby fight for survival behind a glass barrier. They may be feeding their child through a small syringe, uncertain if their little one will be ready for the next meal. As I find myself pumping in the quiet of the night, while my family sleeps, I hold thoughts of you and them close. Each hour spent with the machine, which isn’t my baby, is filled with hope and prayers for you. Yes, it requires immense effort, but every bit is worth it.
Globally, over 15 million babies are born prematurely each year. In the United States alone, around 500,000 babies arrive before their due date. Babies born between 37 weeks are termed “moderate to late” preemies; those born between 28-32 weeks are classified as “very preterm,” and those born at 28 weeks or earlier are deemed “extremely preterm.” Then there are the “micro preemies,” weighing under 1 pound 12 ounces or born at 26 weeks or less.
These tiny fighters, like you, often spend their early days in incubators, surrounded by beeping machines and bright lights, connected to tubes, and cared for by an extraordinary team of medical professionals. The NICU is not where any parent wants to be, and they long for the day they can take their baby home. Research indicates that breast milk provides long-term benefits for premature infants, packed with essential vitamins, antibodies, and stem cells.
So take this milk. Use it to grow strong and fulfill your potential! I believe in you.
I want every parent to know that it takes a community to support each other. To those brave parents with babies in the NICU, my heart is silently with you, cheering you on every step of the way. I can only imagine the incredible person your child will become!
Warm wishes,
Donor Number: 0000078421
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