MilkShare

I have decided to donate some of my breast milk since I am running out of room to store it.  I am not sure how I feel about it yet.  I really wanted to be able to freeze enough to be able to quit pumping early, but I underestimated the amount of freezer space this would require.  I have filled up four freezers, not all of them full, but not all of them are mine either.  I just came upon the 6-month mark of some of the breast milk and I needed to use it before it went bad.  Some sources say that in a deep-freeze it can be safe well over 6-months, but a lot of sources say 6 months is the max and I would rather err on the side of caution.

I posted my information on MilkShare with all my 'stats' and then waited.  I wasn't sure anyone would want it because I do take one prescription medication that some people may not be comfortable with.  Within 24-hours I had a few inquiries and I started to second guess what I had done.  I knew I could just delete my information and keep my milk, but then what would I do?  Start feeding it to the rest of my family in lieu of Kemp's? 

I decided to contact one woman who had identical twin boys who have a true preservative allergy.  She is unable to produce milk for her boys even though she had no problems with her previous two children.  We shared stories and information and I decided to go ahead and ship her my precious milk.  She had two coolers, packing tape, replacement milk storage bags, and UPS labels shipped to me and all I had to do was pack it up and schedule a pick-up with UPS. 

I just sent off the first cooler of milk this afternoon and am planning on sending the other one next Monday.  I am very happy to be able to help someone, but I also feel a bit of a loss.  I worked hard for that milk, pumping every two hours for 12-weeks straight, and I am still tired from it :)

If only someone would pay me for my milk and then I could take a week-long vacation where all I would do is sleep............a sleepcation!!