Dozens and dozens of packets filled with breast milk are in Krista Citron's freezer. She has a daughter Lily who's getting ready to turn one but that frozen breast-milk isn't for her, it's for other people's babies. Krista is donating it to the milk depot at the Mother Nurture baby boutique in Lexington which is holding its grand opening Thursday.
"So far I've donated just under 300 ounces, I've got another 100 that I will be donating tomorrow at the grand opening," comments Krista.
The frozen milk will then be shipped to the non-profit organization, Indiana Mothers' Milk Bank. There, it is pasteurized and then distributed throughout the midwest. The University of Kentucky NICU buys breast milk from the Indiana bank. Krista says it's comforting to know she could be helping babies right here in the Bluegrass.
"It's a good feeling. It's also nice to get some of our freezer space back. I think the really nice thing will be once my daughter is older and she can understand it, we can say you helped sick babies when you were just a little girl," explains Krista.
To donate to this milk bank, you have to have given birth within the last 12 months, fill out a few forms and take a blood test. Krista says it's easy and she encourages other mothers to do it.
"This is a really vital service for sick babies and preemies and it's not something you can manufacture the same way as nature makes it. It's just really important," says Citron.
For more information, call Mother Nurture (859) 335-5949.
