Donor spotlight: Atheana’s story

For Atheana, food is so much more than fuel. It’s a bridge that connects people and communities, and a source of nourishment, love and connection. As a registered dietitian External Link, this belief was already ingrained in her and was further shaped by her journey into motherhood.

The path that led Atheana to milk donation began with the birth of her first child. As a first-time mom, she faced challenges with breastfeeding.

“Breastfeeding was difficult for me at first, but eventually we found a rhythm,” says Atheana. “After that, I was grateful to have an excess milk supply, and I had a bit of an ethical dilemma about throwing it away.”

Staying true to her core beliefs, she viewed the excess milk as a precious gift that she couldn’t let go to waste.

Atheana also had a personal connection with Mount Sinai Hospital, the location of the Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank. It was where her husband received care during an illness.

Her gratitude for the hospital, along with her desire to give back to her community, led her to become a Milk Bank donor.

“To me, donor milk is so much more than a gift,” says Atheana. “It can be emotional if you struggle with nursing. But if you have an oversupply, it can help families on the other end of the spectrum, such as those who are unable to provide breast milk to their baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).”

With each donation, Atheana found solace in knowing that her oversupply of breast milk was going to a good cause.

Pasteurized donor human milk can be a lifeline for critically ill preterm infants in the NICU. It can also be a beacon of hope for their families during times of uncertainty.

“My second baby was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those were really uncertain and scary times, but one thing that was certain for me was pumping. I thought it must also be very hard for families who had babies in the NICU during the pandemic.”

As she concludes her third donation, Atheana reflects on her journey so far. The challenges of the pandemic and the newfound confidence she gained while breastfeeding each of her children have shaped her unique perspective as a Milk Bank donor.

Offering words of encouragement to prospective donors, Atheana shares: “If you’re able to donate, you have nothing to lose. The donation process is seamless, and it is a small way to make a huge impact.”

For her, the act of giving extends beyond the physical donation. It illustrates the power of food to heal and connect, and it reflects the emotional bonds created through nourishment and care.

Thank you to Atheana and all of our incredible Milk Bank donors! These acts of kindness ripple outward and touch the lives of families receiving pasteurized donor human milk for their little ones in NICUs across Ontario and the East Coast.