September 2024 Newsletter |
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September is Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness or #NICUAwareness Month! Our purpose is to collect, process, and dispense safe Pasteurized Donor Human Milk (PDHM) to critical infants in the NICU who would not otherwise have access to human milk. Together, with the support of our financial contributors, milk donors and volunteers, we are improving outcomes for medically fragile infants. Throughout September, we will be highlighting our impact on NICU babies while also honoring NICU patients, families and healthcare professionals. |
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A Thank You Letter from a NICU Parent |
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"My husband and I spent five years praying for a baby. We were finally blessed with a baby girl. Everything during my pregnancy was normal until week 34, the start of preeclampsia symptoms and then a spontaneous delivery at 35 weeks. At first, our little 5lb 2oz girl was completely healthy. But shortly after delivery, she started to decline. She was no longer able to regulate her own breathing and body temperature, and we also discovered she had an infection, along with jaundice. She was quickly admitted to the NICU for a stay of 17 days. The only thing I felt like I could do to help my baby was to immediately begin pumping breast milk. At the time I was severely ill informed of what breastfeeding actually looks like and was extremely hard on myself for not being able to produce anything for the following days. We were then informed of Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee and were eager to utilize donor milk to try to help our little girl. Because of this, I was able to give myself grace and time to learn more about breastfeeding. I was able to successfully feed my baby for the next year. I pray every donor knows just how much we, as the recipient’s parents, appreciate such a selfless act to provide our babies with the best start, we could possibly give them. Thank you, from one scared NICU momma desperately trying to help her tiny baby." - Kristen |
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Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee's Executive Director's Corner Susan Campbell, MD, IBCLC |
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Wow! August was an incredible month at Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee. Our team was busy all across the state celebrating Breastfeeding Awareness Month. We loved meeting so many of you at community events. I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone that volunteered and participated in Breastfeeding Awareness Events. |
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In addition, we opened three Milk Drop Depots in the first two weeks of August. Please join us in welcoming Shults Pediatrics- Blount County, Cookeville Regional Medical Center and West Tennessee Healthcare Women's Center. You can read more below. September 27 is NICU Giving Day. I hope you will consider making an investment in improved survival and development for vulnerable babies born too soon and too small with a donation to Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors like you. Your support helps us dispense each ounce of lifesaving pasteurized donor human milk. Please continue reading below for additional ways that you can support our mission. THANK YOU for helping Tennessee babies survive and thrive. |
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Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee Opens Three New MILK Drop Depots in August |
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Shults Pediatrics- Blount County 114 Defoe Circle Maryville, TN Milk Drop Depot Director: Kayla Dorris, RN Phone: 865-470-6814 Opening was held on August 7. | | |
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Cookeville Regional Medical Center 1 Medical Center Blvd., Cookeville, TN Milk Drop Depot Director: Hayley Bradley, RN, IBCLC Phone: 931-783-5773 Opening was held on August 13. | | |
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West Tennessee Healthcare Women's Center 620 Skyline Dr. Jackson, TN Milk Drop Depot Director: Leah Jester, BSN, RN-CLC, IBLCLC Phone: 731-541-2229 Opening was held on August 16. | | |
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We want to invite you to become a member of Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee's Leadership Society. The Leadership Society was founded in March 2023 to provide special recognition to financial donors that commit to giving an annual gift of $100 or more. Donations can be made one-time each year or in monthly installments to total $100 or more in 12-months. When you become a Leadership Society Member, you are demonstrating your commitment to our mission to the entire state and beyond. Your support provides a sustainable resource to empower us to reach more vulnerable babies in Tennessee each year. As a member of Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee's Leadership Society, you will receive the following recognition opportunities: Name listed in Annual Report Special recognition at Annual Meeting Name listed in E-Newsletter Questions? Please contact Amy Painter at amy.painter@milkbanktn.org. |
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Do you want to increase your existing contribution? Please contact Amy Painter at amy.painter@milkbanktn.org. |
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Baby Fair Saturday, September 21 10:00 am- 1:00 pm CDT Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Do you want to see your community event on our calendar? Click here! |
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Donor & Supporter Appreciation Event |
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All spots are currently full for Mothers’ Milk Bank of Tennessee's Donor and Supporter Appreciation Event on Saturday, September 21. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact Amy Painter at amy.painter@milkbanktn.org. We hope to have events in each region of the state in the near future. |
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Infant Loss Memorial Event |
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October is Infant Loss Awareness Month. On Sunday, October 20 from 1 - 3 PM (CDT), Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee is hosting a special event for Bereaved Milk Donors and their families. It will be a time to honor their babies' legacies. This will also provide an opportunity to connect with other bereaved parents. In addition, families will be able to hang their baby's memorial leaf on our memorial wall if they have not already done so. If you are a bereaved milk donor, more information will be sent to you separately. |
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Mothers' Milk Bank of Tennessee 2909 Old Fort Parkway, Suite 105, Murfreesboro, TN 37128 615-933-8877 | info@milkbanktn.com | milkbanktn.org |
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