A Journey of Gratitude: How Donor Milk Supported Newborn and Inspired Mom to Give Back
Miranda Blaess of Nashua had a birthing center experience nothing short of incredible. As a first-time mom, she entered her 37-week appointment with excitement and anticipation, only to find out she was already dilated to two centimeters and would be delivering soon. The Women’s Clinic staff made her feel comfortable and supported, guiding her through each step of the process.
“The nursing care was amazing,” Miranda recalls. “The staff were so helpful, and I felt so at ease throughout the entire experience.”
On September 24, Dr. Brooke Johnson delivered Aubrey, Matt and Miranda’s beautiful baby girl. They couldn’t have been more grateful for the support they received from everyone during the birth.
“We are so blessed to have such a great staff to help us bring our baby girl into the world,” she says with a smile.
While the birth was smooth, Miranda faced a challenge of her milk taking a bit longer to come in than expected. Thankfully, the birthing center had a solution, donor milk.
Miranda Blaess’ birthing experience at WHC was filled with expert care, donor milk support and lactation guidance.
Miranda was incredibly appreciative of this support during such a crucial time, and it made a world of difference as she navigated the early days of motherhood.
Jessica Dewey, a lactation consultant at WHC, was another valuable source of support, offering a comprehensive overview of breastfeeding and regularly checking in on Miranda. With Jessica’s guidance, Miranda felt confident and well-prepared as she worked toward breastfeeding her baby.
Since returning home, Miranda has been diligently pumping and now has a deep freezer stocked full of breast milk. Inspired by the support she received, Miranda is hoping and planning to give back by becoming a milk donor herself.
Miranda’s journey has been one of community, care and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She’s not just thankful for the birth of her baby but also for the amazing staff and the resources that helped her feel empowered as a new mom. “We’re excited to pay it forward and help other moms the way we were helped.”
Since the start of donor milk availability at WHC, 63 babies have benefitted from this program. They have received donor milk for the following reasons: supplementation while receiving jaundice treatment, hypoglycemia treatment (low blood sugars), feeding or weight concerns or to provide supplementation if a mom is pumping and feeding her newborn her own breastmilk.