Donor spotlight: Tracy’s story

For Tracy, a deep-rooted joy in giving and a freezer full of extra breast milk led her to become a Milk Bank donor. Here’s her story.

“As a first-time mom, I was so nervous about breastfeeding. I wanted it to work so much, but latching was a struggle, so I turned to breast pumping. I wasn’t sure if I would produce enough milk — maybe just enough for my little guy, Ben. But oh, was I wrong! My body apparently got the memo that we were feeding an entire village.

“At first, I was in shock. Then my husband was. Then our freezer started crying for help. Postpartum hasn’t been the easiest for me, but I have always found joy in giving. Through research, I learned that I could donate my extra breast milk. Through this journey, I found out about the Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank, an incredible organization which helps provide life-saving donor milk to premature and critically ill babies in hospitals across Ontario and the East Coast. It fills my heart to know that my oversupply — this unexpected and beautiful gift — could possibly help other moms, babies and families across Canada.

“Motherhood has already taught me so much, but this has been one of the most unexpected blessings. I feel beyond grateful to be able to give back in such a special way. For the record, my husband and our freezer are both breathing a sigh of relief.

“If you or someone you know has an extra supply of breast milk, I highly encourage looking into milk donation. It is a rewarding way to support other families in need!”

Donor milk can help save the lives of vulnerable infants in hospital by reducing rates of life-threatening medical complications. We are grateful to Tracy for donating more than 550 ounces of milk (and counting)! Her gift gives vulnerable infants a better chance to survive.