03/30/2026
Below we are sharing a story from one of our amazing donor's Aspen:
We discovered we were expecting identical twin girls (monochorionic/diamniotic) at eight weeks. Throughout the pregnancy, I developed several complications, including preeclampsia and placental insufficiency. This led to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in one of the twins, and my OB and maternal-fetal medicine team recommended that I deliver via C-section at 34 weeks.
Molly and Natalie were born on August 25th at Mercy Hospital in Rogers. Due to their prematurity, both girls spent time in the NICU and received donor milk via nasogastric tubes for ~2.5 weeks while I worked to establish my own milk supply. I am forever grateful to the donors who ensured my babies were nourished during that time. As a new mother recovering from surgery and unexpected post-birth complications, having access to donor milk provided immense mental relief. It helped alleviate the stress and guilt I felt while navigating my own health complications, knowing that my daughters were receiving the best possible care and nutrition.
Natalie came home from the NICU after 22 days, while Molly (the growth-restricted twin) came home after 35 days. By this time, my milk supply had been established, and we were able to begin our lives as a family of four. As we settled into our routines, I hoped to make a positive impact in the lives of other NICU families by paying it forward and becoming a milk donor myself. I could not be more grateful for the donors who impacted our lives and allowed my babies to come home thriving. I hope that, due to donor milk, other NICU parents get to say the same.
Donor milk is a gift! Feel free to share your story in the comments!!
