Firefighter and donor mom Rachel becomes CLC certified in her “spare time”

“My husband, Randy, and I have been married for 4 years. We have 2 amazing boys, JD, 2, and Jace, 1, as well as a bonus daughter, Harper, 7. I have been a career firefighter paramedic for more than 15 years, as well as a certified law enforcement officer. Randy and I met through work; although we had known each other for nearly 8 years, what brought us together was the tragic cardiac arrest of an infant. In my line of work, I’ve done a little bit of everything, including delivering full and preterm babies. Sleepless nights aren’t only for new moms!

When JD was born, I really had no one to turn to, to learn how to breastfeed. I spent many late nights researching things on Google, trying to figure out lactation on my own. I had an oversupply but didn’t know what to do with it and wasn’t aware donation was an option. After Jace was born, I once again had a large oversupply and went to see a lactation consultant at my hospital. They told me about Tiny Treasures Milk Bank and helped me start my donation journey.

When I first started donating, I thought the initial cooler volume requirements were daunting. But that came and went. One year later, I'm about to hit the 10,000-ounce mark!

It's mind blowing to know my body can do such a thing, and I'm amazed at what I've been able to provide for other babies as well as my own. Donation has had its challenges, though, maintaining middle of the night pumps, being a fulltime working mom while nursing and pumping, and having 2 babies under the age of 3!

Donation has given me the opportunity to help vulnerable babies in a new way outside of work and maintain my oversupply to continue my breastfeeding journey to my goal of 1 year. Additionally, the compensation from donation has allowed me to provide income for my family, pay off debts, spoil my kids with toys and outings, and further my education by becoming a Certified Lactation Consultant. I'm currently enrolled in courses and plan to obtain certification within the next year!

My advice for new donors: Relax. Your body will do what it needs to do. Stress will only hinder your goals."