More than milk: how donating helped me heal

I’m Meaghan, a South Australian mum and so far I’ve donated around 120 litres of breast milk through Lifeblood. Becoming a milk donor has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful parts of my journey. 

The road to motherhood 

Our journey wasn’t easy. After more than three and a half years of trying — with multiple miscarriages and inconclusive tests — we were diagnosed with unexplained infertility and turned to IVF. Wyatt was our miracle rainbow baby, born after our second embryo transfer. 

But even after a positive test, complications arose early: bleeding, preeclampsia, marginal cord insertion, and severe intrauterine growth restriction. At 31 weeks and 3 days, Wyatt arrived weighing only 1,040 grams and was rushed to the NICU. He spent 50 days in NICU and special care nursery (SCN), followed by 14 days on an early discharge program where we visited the hospital every two days. It was terrifying. 

But amidst the fear, something unexpected happened: I had milk. A lot of it. 

From NICU to oversupply 

Despite Wyatt’s prematurity, my body responded with an oversupply. I was pumping every few hours, day and night, which felt both a blessing and a burden. It was exhausting, physically and emotionally, as I worked through numerous Lactation Consultant sessions to manage supply while he couldn’t breastfeed. 

I quickly filled containers and bags faster than Wyatt could drink, running out of space in both the NICU freezer and mine at home. Soon, I was storing milk at family members’ houses to avoid wasting any. That’s when my Lactation Consultant at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide suggested something I hadn’t considered and didn’t know was possible here in Australia: donating. 

Becoming a Lifeblood milk donor 

I completed the eligibility forms and screening quiz while Wyatt was still in NICU. Once off postpartum medications and with stable blood pressure, I got the all-clear to start donating. 

I’ll never forget my first donation. Seeing those full boxes leave my home felt deeply healing, knowing they’d help babies like Wyatt. Since then, I’ve completed seven rounds, and the process couldn’t be easier. 

Lifeblood supports you every step, providing milk bags, supplies, and clear guidelines on hygiene and safe milk handling. Once approved, you label and store your milk, sterilise pump parts after each use, and practice good hand hygiene. When frozen, Lifeblood arranges a pickup from your door. No trips needed. 

Jenny, our milk donor coordinator, has been a warm presence, visiting with cooler boxes and quietly watching Wyatt grow. I’ll truly miss her when I can no longer donate — it’s been special having her along our journey. 

Why I keep going 

Donating milk has become a comforting and rewarding part of my motherhood journey. Amid sleepless nights and a demanding pumping routine — especially since Wyatt and I couldn’t establish breastfeeding — expressing milk became a constant, often exhausting, part of my days. But knowing my milk supports vulnerable babies like Wyatt and to mums struggling with their supply has been a real source of strength and given me a sense of purpose beyond myself. 

Without Lifeblood, much of my excess milk would have been wasted. I even needed to borrow a chest freezer to store it all. This service ensures that none of it goes unused or wasted. 

A message to other mums 

If you’re considering donating, know it’s worth it. 

Lifeblood is incredibly supportive — they make the process feel personal and celebratory. You’re never just a number, but a vital part of a community giving back in a powerful way. 

Wyatt is nearly one now. As he starts solids and relies less on milk, I’m planning to keep pumping as long as I can. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done — and a way to honour the difficult beginning we had. 

I may not be able to donate forever, but I’ll carry the pride of this experience with me always. It’s been a beautiful way to turn something challenging into something deeply meaningful — and I hope it inspires other mums to do the same. 

This is more than milk. It’s healing. It’s purpose. And it’s something I’m incredibly proud to be part of.

To learn more about becoming a milk donor, click here.