Donor Rebeka juggles kids, livestock, and her career helping NICU babies

“I am a NICU nurse and my husband is a paramedic. We have two beautiful kiddos, Grace, 2 1/2, and Henry, 8 months. Our busy work schedules mean we work opposite each other throughout the week, making any time we have together very special.

We raise goats, chickens, and bees outside Flagstaff, AZ, so we enjoy fresh milk, eggs, and honey. We also make our own soap, lotion, cheese, and butter with fresh goat milk. When we have time, we love going outside to hike and kayak.

I am in a unique position to not only be a NICU mom, but a NICU nurse. Thankfully, Grace had a relatively short NICU course, but in my line of work, I see firsthand what receiving human breastmilk means to NICU babies and their families who need much longer stays. This was a big motivator to donate when I realized I was able to exclusively breastfeed and had extra to share. That’s when I started researching and found Tiny Treasures.

Making time to pump, store milk, and wash and sanitize pump parts adds a layer of busyness to an already busy day, but knowing that each donation serves tiny warriors and their amazing families has been so rewarding. In my journey, I try not to get too caught up in the numbers.

I focus on my and my family's health and happiness, and the milk follows. The compensation I receive from milk donation is a bonus and means a little less time working and a little more time with my family.

My advice to NICU moms: Take it day by day. Right now, it feels like an eternity, but there IS light at the end of the tunnel. Stay focused on that light and all the amazing things your sweet baby is accomplishing in the meantime!”

* Any views, opinions, findings, assertions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are solely those of the individual. The content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.