Introduction

When my first son entered the world, I was on a mission to pump and build a breast milk stash. Thankfully, I was able to exclusively nourish him with breast milk and even share some with those who needed it. Venturing into the underground world of the breast milk market, I discovered a multitude of babies in desperate need of this precious resource. Driven by a newfound purpose, I invited new parents to my home to load up on bags, providing them with the liquid gold their babies needed. Foster parents, the unspoken heroes of our society, also received my surplus milk, offering an extra benefit to infants starting life on a challenging note. This journey not only unveiled the need for change in how we approach this process but also revealed the incredible strength and generosity of mothers.

Six months later after my first son was born, I found myself pregnant with my second baby. This time, however, anxiety tightly gripped me. It was March 2020, and the world was on the brink of an unprecedented pandemic and world shutdown. As I tried to navigate my way through motherhood with a still small seven-month-old and the anticipation of the arrival of a new baby in the midst of this pandemic, my fears and uncertainty were as profound as ever. 

On October 4th, 2020, my second son arrived 3.5 weeks early and was immediately taken away to the NICU while he struggled to breathe independently. Few discuss the profound pain NICU mothers endure, having the most significant joy of their lives kept from them, especially in a time when they anticipated holding their baby after nine long months. Once again, I was alone and scared while trying to grasp onto any feeling of hope I could grab onto. To all the NICU mothers who have felt the uncertainty, fear, and loneliness of such moments, know that you are not alone. You are absolute superheroes and so resilient in the face of unimaginable challenges.

In those agonizing moments when I couldn’t be with my newborn, my maternal instinct propelled me into action. A pump became a constant companion in my hospital room, as every two hours, I extracted every ounce of nourishment for my little one that I possibly could. This 10-day pumping marathon became a testament to unwavering dedication to completing the one thing that only I could do for my little one: physically make his food, or as we called it in the NICU, “nature’s best medicine.” 

NICU experience

My NICU experience, opened my eyes to a world I hadn’t truly understood. The need for breast milk extended beyond my own baby and propelled me to use my unplanned journey to help other moms and babies in similar experiences. My pumping  journey continued, turning my initial breastfeeding experience into an unexpected opportunity to ease the burden for other mothers.

Both of my two very different breastfeeding journeys strengthened my desire to drastically improve the current breast milk marketplace and ultimately support mothers and babies in any way possible that I can. Not only can I help with providing milk to those in need, but it was time to start being a vocal advocate for breastfeeding mothers, supporting the path each mother chooses that is the best for her child and herself. 

As mothers, we must support each other and stand up for one another when society tells them to do otherwise. To those who generously share milk, your selfless act indirectly supports and comforts mothers on their unique feeding journeys. You are heroes who are not praised enough for relieving from other mothers a bit of the fear and uncertainty. 

Both journeys didn’t unfold as planned, but I wouldn’t change a single thing. The simple acts — a few ounces of breast milk, a comforting hug, a homemade meal — may seem small, but they mean the world to NICU moms. Because no two journeys are alike, we at Leche are dedicated to supporting your feeding journey whatever that looks like and wherever you are on it. Today's parents deserve better options and we are proud to be the first company to offer you more flexibility and convenience on your journey, and better access to breast milk for all. 

With love,

Trish 

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