Mum’s breast milk appeal explained
A MURPHYS Creek mother has taken the unusual step of asking strangers to donate breast milk for her baby.
Joeleene Lochel was concerned her 16-week-old son Kynan was too tiny and not gaining weight at a good rate.
She tried hard to express milk but was only able to generate about 10ml each day for her child.
So she turned to social media, asking strangers if they would help.
The response was overwhelming, with mothers as far away as Brisbane and the Gold Coast offering to donate milk.
Mrs Lochel, a mother of five, said it was unclear why she wasn’t producing enough milk, with the likely culprit a lip or tongue tie on her baby which led to a reduced supply.
She admitted asking for milk was “weird and out there” but said she was happy knowing her son was getting milk.
An elaborate supply line of the donor milk is supplied to Kynan while she continues to breast-feed, in the hope her supply will increase.
She said health guidelines stipulated the best option for babies was mother’s milk, followed by donor milk and powdered milk.
Mrs Lochel said she was suspicious about the ingredients in formula milk.
She put out a call last week for donations and was amazed at how many mothers were willing to donate.
She believes her son has a cow’s milk intolerance and has cut dairy from her diet.
“Woman have said they’re willing to donate and even cut out dairy from their diets, just to help.
“The number of donations has been huge but some are too far away, and with five children and a busy lifestyle I don’t have time to drive to the Gold Coast.
“I got a big stash from a woman in Toowoomba, it’s amazing the generosity of other mums.
“I am blown away and appreciative of the women who are willing to do that for my baby.
“It’s not that bizarre. If you go back hundreds of years ago women would put their babies on each other’s breasts.”
After drinking the donor milk Kynan has put on 250g in weight.