Dec. 15, 2021
Earlier this month, Estero mom Jordan Paul stopped by HealthPark Medical Center/Golisano Children’s Hospital with a very generous donation – 806 ounces of breast milk for the Milk Depot! Ms. Paul feeds her own infant and toddler on-demand, so this milk was collected for her to donate to help local babies in Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) get the lifesaving nourishment they need.
Donated breast milk helps feed babies born prematurely – maybe even so early that their mother’s milk hasn’t come in yet, as well as older babies who cannot tolerate formula, babies with a weakened immune system or those with special dietary needs. Donor milk is prescribed by a physician.
Breast milk is considered the best and preferred choice for feeding babies – whether born prematurely or not. It has the right amount of nutrients, protein, fat and sugar to help babies grow and develop. Breast milk is better absorbed and used by the baby and the breast milk has properties that help prevent mild to severe infections and illnesses.
“I am blessed with an abundance of milk,” Ms. Paul says. “I believe breast milk is this perfect substance and I never wanted it to go to waste, so I have always donated my milk to others who needed it. I heard about the milk bank and started collecting the milk for my donation in early September. It means so much to me to be able to donate, but also to share my story to encourage moms to breastfeed if they can and for as long as they can. It can be painful and exhausting, but it is also empowering. If women have trouble breastfeeding, there are so many resources to help with latching, supply, encouragement.”
Encouraging and supporting breastfeeding through Lee Health’s lactation services, including lactation consultants, breastfeeding classes and clubs is a key component of the care we provide new mothers. It also helps Cape Coral Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center earn the prestigious Baby-Friendly® designation from Baby-Friendly USA, which recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal environment and level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. The Baby-Friendly designation ensures that mothers are informed of the importance of breastfeeding and our teams helps facilitate success so they have the confidence and skills to continue breastfeeding their baby when they go home from the hospital.
Lee Health is grateful for Ms. Paul’s generous donation to help the babies in our NICU and for sharing her story to inspire and empower other moms. For more information about the support we have for new and breastfeeding mothers, visit https://www.leehealth.org/our-services/women-s-health/breastfeeding-support).