Donating Over 100 Litres of Breast Milk: A Journey of Gratitude, Love, and Purpose
Breastfeeding has been one of the most transformative parts of my motherhood journey — not just in nourishing my own babies, but in being able to support others through the donation of over 100 litres of breast milk. It’s something I never imagined I’d do, especially since I wasn’t aware it was even possible during my first pregnancy.
But everything changed thanks to a conversation with a wonderful health visitor. She told me about the possibility of donating breast milk to help vulnerable babies in neonatal units. That one conversation opened a door to something incredibly meaningful. I had always wanted to give back, especially after what our family went through with our first child.
When my eldest was born, we experienced every parent’s worst nightmare. He became extremely unwell with sepsis and meningitis. It was terrifying. The doctors and nurses at Addenbrooke’s Hospital quite literally saved his life. He suffered kidney damage and had a long road to recovery, but we are forever grateful for the world-class care and compassion we received. I remember thinking, “How do you ever repay something like this?”
So when I learned about milk donation, it felt like the perfect way to give back — to support other tiny, fragile lives who are fighting their own battles in NICUs, just like my baby once did. Every pouch of milk I donated was filled with love, purpose, and deep gratitude. Knowing that my milk was going to nourish premature and vulnerable babies made the long hours of pumping, storing, and delivering absolutely worth it.
I genuinely loved donating. It gave me a sense of purpose and connection to a wider community of mothers and babies I may never meet, but will always care about. And I was lucky — so lucky — to have the support of my incredible family. My husband, my mum, and my dad were all behind me 100%. They never made me feel awkward or alone. They cheered me on, helped with the practical bits, and celebrated every donation milestone.
I also want to talk about something we need to change — the cultural stigma around breastfeeding and expressing milk, especially in public. Too often, women are made to feel embarrassed or self-conscious about something that is natural, nurturing, and powerful. We need to normalise breastfeeding, and celebrate the women who are not only feeding their own babies but going above and beyond to help others.
Milk donation might not be for everyone, and that’s okay. But for those who can and want to, I want them to know how impactful and healing it can be — not just for the babies who receive it, but for the mothers who give it.
To the team at Addenbrooke’s: thank you for saving my son. This was for you.
To the mums reading this: you are stronger than you know.
And to every baby who received a bit of my milk: you were loved, even by a stranger.
