If you read past blog posts you will see the story of how I was turned down for milk donation due to a false positive test result. I made the most of it by contacting the Medical Director and asking her to look at my case and change future policy. This is my hope, that other mothers wanting to give will be better informed and do the required blood tests no sooner than 6 weeks after giving birth. No need for scary false positives that ruin donation chances and scare grieving moms to death!
The medical director shared my story with the Austin milk bank. Turns out, they were DESPERATE for milk! Huge shortage. They said, "hey, if you send me the confirmatory test showing that you don't have the virus we will take your milk!" That's what I did.
My deepest desire was for babies in the same NICU Claire was born in to get my milk. But there are no milk banks in Az. Austin babies would have to do, I thought. Their lives are just as valuable.
Blue and I met with Claire's doctor one Saterday morning to go over all her medical records. He told me his patients haven't been getting their needed milk because his bank, the Austin Milk Bank, was in some kind of crisis. How could I but sit there on his couch and smile...my milk was indeed going to Claire's NICU. It may take a pit stop in Austin for processing, but it's coming back home to Az.
Thank you for that, God.
I can't have all that I wanted. But this is a small, healing gift that I can and do take with me. It teaches me to keep pressing on when doors close. The journey's not over.
Maybe you too will get your wish one day, after all.
9 comments:
I am sooooo glad I checked your blog again today (JUST IN CASE YOU POSTED!) to read this. My heart is pounding so hard with joy about the outcome of this situation. The sacrafice you made by pumping and pumping and pumping (and pumping more!) was worth every second. I am so happy that a little bit of YOU will help nurse so many babies who need not only the nutrition, but extra bit of love...both of which will be coming from you. I shouldn't write so much as a "comment," but honestly, I am just so happy about this.
(Oh, and on a side note, I'll be in Phoenix VERY VERY SOON! Nov 5-11!)
LOVE YOU!
Hooray for the win, Kelly. I can't imagine the relief your gift will bring to other mamas and their babes. Much love to you!
That's awesome. Tender mercies!
You are AMAZING. So many babies will be blessed because of you and Claire.
Kelly I'm so touched by how you take a negitive and turn it into a positive, you inspire me to be a better person, I'm blessed to know you and call you my friend:) What a testimony of prayers being answered :)
I found your blog through a friend's and I've been sitting here reading the whole thing, crying my eyes out.
I can't even begin to imagine the pain of losing one child, much less three. Your strength and selflessness are absolutely amazing. I am inspired.
Thank you for sharing your story so honestly. You are awesome.
Yea Kelly, way to go and be persistence. So much milk to so many babies in need of it. When I would try pumping it was very slow and difficult. You have done and still doing so much for so many. You are amazing!!
That's great that you were able to donate to your daughter's hospital! I am sorry for your losses. I found your blog on the Miscarriage and Stillbirth directory. I hope you don't mind me poking around.
That's one thing about you that has always inspired me...you're persistent and figure out a way to make things work. What a blessing and a ray of hope you are to so many by your thoughtfulness.
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