Give My Child Another Woman’s BreastMilk???

Question

I’m a little emotional and confused. I am not sure how to approach this situation.  Can someone tell me if they have experience or advice. 
My son was born at 32 weeks. I had a csection and couldn’t feed him right away. When I was up I tried to pump but it was coming slowly.  It’s been a week now and I have been trying to keep up with it but I have also gotten sick and was hospitalized for complications. I spiked a fever for 2 days and also was given morphine in the hospital. I couldn’t pump. 
I got a call today from the doctor who was asking to give my son donor milk that is easier to digest. I don’t understand. I breast fed 3 other boys until 1 years old and I had csection with them too. They supplemented with formula. 
I want to to be there for my son and bond with him and let him have only milk from my breast. I feel a little violated by giving my son anothwr woman’s milk. 
I don’t want to look stupid. I want to do what’s best for him. Please help.

Answer

I’m a nurse in the NICU, and the reason we give these babies donor breastmilk in addition to your milk is because it lessens the likelihood of what is called Necrotizing Enterocolitis, or NEC. Breastmilk will always be better for your baby, especially a preemie with an immature digestive system than formula ☺️ When your supply is enough, they will take your baby off the donor milk and it will solely be your breastmilk that they use. It is only until you reach high enough volumes, it is nothing you are doing wrong. Keep up the work momma!! ❤️

Answer

I know several people who either use or donate breast milk.  It's a well accepted practice.

Answer

Personally I was in the same situation (baby in NICU and offered donor milk) & I turned it down. It just doesn’t sit right with me to give my child another woman’s milk. 
My son supplemented with formula until my milk came in then I pumped my own.

Answer

The milk is tested and pasteurized so it is safe. But in addition to that, giving formula to a baby who is less than 34 weeks corrected gestation can increase the risk for necrotizing entercolitis, or NEC, because premature babies have immature guts and formula is harder for them to digest. Being a mom means putting your baby’s needs first. Let your baby have the donor milk until you are able to provide your own.

Answer

I personally would allow them to supplement with donor milk until my supply came in. They only provide donor milk for babies born before 36 weeks. My daughter was born at exactly 36 weeks (spent 1 week in nicu) and were not eligible for donor milk. So we had to supplement with formula- which my daughter than preferred over breast milk. 
The hospital explained to me the process of the donor milk and all of the precautions they take before it gets to the babies. There were nurses at my hospital that used the donor milk to supplement for there own babies. They said most of there donors were also moms of nicu babies who’s supplies came in full force and just want to help out other babies/ moms. 
Ask you dr about there process and where it comes from, there vetting process, etc.
Do what you feel most comfortable with. A Fed baby is best baby! 😊

Answer

The donor milk is screened and cleaned so to speak. My area does not have that option and my LO received formula in the NICU until my milk came in at day 4. I wish our hospital had a “milk bank” because I would have much rather my LO have clean breast milk than manufactured formula.

Give My Child Another Woman’s BreastMilk???

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