I am only 1 1/2 days in my first blogging conference experience (BlogHer’11) and I have already done and seen some things I never imagined.
One thing I haven’t really done is take very many pictures. {insert sad face} Part of that is on purpose because I want to soak up some so much bloggy goodness that I don’t want to fumble with a camera. But…I realized today that’s kind of silly because next week this will probably be a haze.
I imagine that once I am home with my three children, after a week away, I’m going to be pretty overwhelmed. So, I started taking pictures this afternoon.
In line with World Breastfeeding Week, I did something today that I have never done before, but always wanted to do. I sat in a room with about ten other women and took off my shirt. For a very good reason.
I pumped some of my breastmilk to be donated to a local baby!
That might seem weird to you and that’s okay with me. Before I had children of my own, I never entertained the thought of donating breastmilk. However, for many children and parents, donated breastmilk is a huge blessing. If you are interested in learning about informed milk sharing, I strongly encourage you to at least do a little research.
Back to the ladies only party…
An awesome blogger and breastfeeding advocate, Jen of Life with Levi, hosted a pumping party today. I joined about ten other women who pumped breastmilk for either their own child or to be donated.
A wonderful blogger (and creator of ClothDiaperFinder.com), Kim Rosas made arrangements for the milk donation.
I was a little nervous about donating because I haven’t pumped in over a year. However, once I was in the room and conversation started flowing, it was easy!
Several companies were gracious to donate pumping supplies and accessories (from Hyegia), as well as some goodies, like breastmilk storage guide magnets (from PumpEase).
It may seem like a small act, but pumping and donating my breastmilk makes me feel so much better about being away from my nursling during World Breastfeeding Week, especially since I won’t be participating in the Big Latch On tomorrow.
P.S. That beauty of a pumping bra in the pictures (lower right corner) is so sweet in person. I got to try it on & am happy to report it fit my huge tatas just fine! If you pump at all, I highly recommend getting one. (from PumpEase)
Disclaimer: I was not paid or even asked to write this post by the party host or any sponsors. I wrote it out of my enthusiasm for the event. I did receive swag, along with the other attendees of the party. Opinions are always mine.
My daughter was a preemie (31 weeker)…so I exclusively pumped until she was 3 months old….I ended up donating 60 lbs….yes SIXTY POUNDS of milk to the mothers milk bank! One of my biggest achievements in life!
That is awesome Melissa – what an accomplishment!!
I was nervous, too, but it was much less awkward than I thought it would be! I’m so glad I went & was able to donate milk. And winning a PumpEase was icing on the cake.
Same here! I wasn’t sure how it would be to pump in front of other people, but I am so glad I went.
That’s so awesome! I love that Jen organized this event for you guys. I would have loved to have been there and would have pumped right along with you. Way to go, girls!
I love that you ladies did this – and that I was able to meet you all! Job well done mamas!
Love it, what a great site! I will be sure to come back and visit! If you get a chance check out AUGUST 2011 BLOG HOP over at http://www.reasonablyless we would love for you to link up!
Rachel
http://www.reasonablyless.com
“Mommy freebies, coupons and Advice on using coupons”
[...] and donated blood in her honor. I met Jen of @LifeWithLevi and took my shirt off in her hotel room. I donated breastmilk thanks to @kimrosas. I went out for dinner & margaritas with @MomEinstein. I met fellow [...]