A Gift of Breast Milk Saves Baby

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/23/2167806/an-exceptional-gift-of-life.html

In an act of kindness and generosity, the mother of a premature baby who did not survive has helped another premature baby thrive against the odds.

Nicole Hendrix gave birth to a baby girl named Lillian on March 4th, 4 months early. Hendrix saved frozen breast milk for her baby, but sadly, Lillian didn't survive long enough to get most of it. She had suffered from a condition called necrotizing enterocolitis, where blood circulation was cut off to portions of her bowel.

Jennifer Robinson also gave birth 4 months early. On April 16 her son Max was born. He suffered from the same condition. Breast milk is believed to be protective against necrotizing enterocolitis, and it's the best-tolerated milk for infants recovering from the condition. When Jennifer Robinson could not produce anymore milk, Nicole Hendrix donated gallons of the milk that she had saved.

After multiple surgeries and four anxious months in intensive care, Max was finally healthy enough to leave the hospital, weighing 8 pounds, 13 ounces. Hendrix was there to see him off. "It makes me feel that something good can come out of something bad," she said.

Often it is difficult for mothers of preemies to give their babies milk. Either their body isn't ready to produce milk or the stress of dealing with a critically ill child keeps the milk from flowing. Robinson was having trouble producing enough milk for her son and began searching breast milk banks, but insurance plans don't always cover the charges. She calculated that it would cost thousands of dollars per month.

When Lillian passed away, Hendrix had saved up a lot of milk, and asked the hospital if she could donate it. Hendrix found out that Robinson needed it. "This was a no-brainer," said Hendrix. "I feel I would have regretted it if I didn't. I feel I've given meaning to my daughter's life, if this can help save Max."

The families, who didn't know each other before, are now friends. "We instantly felt we had a connection," Robinson said. "If it weren't for Lilli, Max would not be here. Her little life made a hugh impact on his. Someday, he'll know about Lilli and how selfless her mother was."