I breastfed McKenzie until she was 24 months old because I know that breastfeeding
is best for babies. The World Health Organization states
why it is so on their website, and also emphasizes that breastfeeding benefits
the mothers who choose to breastfeed their babies.
However, not all moms gets to breastfeed their children immediately
after birth for legitimate medical reasons. There are also babies whose mothers
may have passed away yet still need to be nourished with breastmilk.
In cases like these, milk
donations or milksharing are usually the solution. It should be noted,
though, that donor milk should be screened as much as possible, to ensure that
it is safe and clean for the babies who will receive it.
If you’re a breastfeeding mom, or a mom who believes in the importance
of breastfeeding, you will probably also consider milksharing or donating one’s
breastmilk to be a noble endeavor. Here in the Philippines, human milk banks
are actually always in need of breastmilk donations, so it is good to be aware
of efforts to collect human milk – like the upcoming “Mommy Milkshare” event organized
by The Parenting Emporium and Honeysuckle Philippines (which is actually on its
second run; the
first run was held in September last year.)
Scheduled for August 13, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Parenting
Emporium (No. 29, 1st Street, New Manila, QC), breastfeeding mothers
are invited to donate their excess breastmilk for the benefit of Fabella Human
Milk Bank. Donors can choose to bring frozen breastmilk (must be expressed
between June to August 2016) or express milk onsite.
In gratitude to the generous milk donors, VPharma’s Mega Malunggay,
Mommy Treats, and Honeysuckle – brands that support milksharing – will be giving
discounts on select items. Mommy Milkshare participants will also receive loot
bags as a “bonus” for their kindness, which is why they are also asked to
register for the event via 0917-8110821.
So, if you are a breastfeeding mom who wants to share her “milky
blessings,” head on over to The Parenting Emporium this Saturday! Your efforts
and kindness will help many babies who are supported by Fabella Human Milk
Bank.
Note: If you want to donate
breastmilk but can’t come to Mommy Milkshare, you may contact Nurse Katrina of
The Parenting Emporium at 7253723 or 7386272, and ask how to donate to the TPE
Milksharing Hub.
The WAHM, Dulce Javier- Ansis