Dear NICU Little One,
Your journey is uniquely yours, and while I may never know your name or story, I hold out hope for the incredible things you might achieve in your life. All you need is a fighting chance, and I believe you’ve got what it takes. So, fight on, tiny warrior. Whatever challenges lie ahead, give them your all.
And to your dear mother, my heart goes out to her. I can only imagine the weight of her worries. Watching her baby struggle is something no parent should have to endure. If my milk can provide even a modicum of comfort, then it’s a privilege to contribute. The countless hours I’ve dedicated to pumping, cleaning, and preparing this milk for you are all worthwhile.
As a donor, I am driven by many motivations. There exists a stigma surrounding donor milk, with some perceiving it as unappealing or a sign of defeat — as if accepting it means giving up. Many mothers desperately wish to provide breast milk for their babies but face challenges that make it impossible. This is where donors like me step in to help.
I find inspiration in NICU families like yours. My friend, Sarah, works as a pediatric nurse, and while she cannot discuss her patients, she has shared how vital even a small amount of breast milk can be for fragile infants like you. It offers a unique comfort and strength that words can hardly capture.
Somewhere, a parent is enduring heartbreak, watching their baby fight through the challenges of life, separated by a glass barrier. They nourish their little one through a tiny syringe, uncertain if their child will make it to the next meal. In those sleepless nights when I pump while my family rests, my thoughts are with them — with you. Every hour spent with my machine, though demanding, is filled with prayers for your well-being and growth. It is a labor of love that is undeniably exhausting but equally rewarding.
Globally, over 15 million babies enter the world prematurely each year, with around 500,000 in the United States alone. Babies born at 37 weeks are termed “moderate to late” preemies, while those born between 28-32 weeks are classified as “very preterm.” The label “extremely preterm” is reserved for those born at 28 weeks or earlier, and babies weighing less than 1.75 pounds or born at 26 weeks or less are called “micro preemies.”
These little souls, like you, often find themselves in incubators, surrounded by beeping machines and bright lights, connected to tubes, and cared for by skilled medical teams. The NICU is a place no parent wishes to be, and the yearning to bring their baby home is palpable. Research underscores the long-term benefits of breast milk for preterm infants, packed with essential vitamins, antibodies, and stem cells.
So accept this gift of life, fight with all your might, and grow into the remarkable person you are destined to become. I believe in you wholeheartedly.
To all the parents navigating this difficult journey, remember that it takes a village. To those brave parents with their little ones in the NICU, know that you are not alone; my silent support is with you every step of the way. I can only imagine the incredible person your child will grow to be.
With love,
Donor Number: 0000078910
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out our post about cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo. Additionally, for those coping with loss, finding solace in togetherness can be a helpful read. For an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, visit the CDC.
In summary, this heartfelt message emphasizes the importance of breast milk for NICU babies, the emotional journey of parents, and the value of community support during challenging times. It encourages both the baby and their family to keep fighting, with a reminder of the impact of donor milk and the collective strength of those involved.