08/25/2026
As we celebrate world breastfeeding month and
specifically black breastfeeding week I’m sharing a message a recipient sent to me. It beautifully captures why we do what we do, how much recipients benefit from the generosity of all of you donors and why we have to keep this sustainable. Thank you all so much for all that you do. Enjoy her post!
I thought I had found the MAMMA Project too late in my breastfeeding journey, but in reality, I found it right on time.
As a first-time mom, I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to breastfeed. What I didn’t know was what I needed, how to get started, or just how challenging the journey could be.
I searched and searched for breastfeeding classes, only to be told that I needed to wait until I was further along in my pregnancy. Then, when I was finally far enough along, I was told the classes were full and that I had waited too long. The opportunities were limited, and I quickly became frustrated. I eventually found a private lactation consultant who came to my home two weeks before delivery and continued to provide support afterward. While the support was helpful, it quickly became expensive, and I still felt unprepared.
I turned to family and friends for support, and they were there for me. But I still struggled with producing what seemed to be a “sufficient” amount of milk. I learned that every mother and baby are different, and there is no perfect breastfeeding plan. For me, consistency was key, and I refused to give up.
Then came the moment that weighed heavily on me. My daughter’s pediatrician told me that she wasn’t gaining enough weight and recommended supplementing with formula.
I immediately began questioning myself.
What am I doing wrong? Did I go back to work too soon? Am I not producing enough? Should I have done something differently?
I went down a rabbit hole of everything I thought wasn’t going right. I didn’t want to use formula. Eventually, I gave in and tried supplementing, but it didn’t go well. I didn’t know how to introduce it gradually, and I felt completely lost. I continued searching, asking questions, and looking for someone who could help me find a solution that worked for my daughter and me.
Then my sister recommended Kiana and the MAMMA Project.
I reached out to inquire about donor milk, and within minutes, I received a response. Not only did I receive an answer, but I was given a plan, a smooth intake process, education, and—most importantly—continued support.
What once felt like moments of panic slowly became moments of relief.
I will forever be grateful—not only for my family and friends who supported me, but also for the MAMMA Project and every donor and volunteer who makes this work possible.
Today, my daughter is healthy, happy, and thriving, which is exactly what I prayed for.
My breastfeeding journey may not have gone exactly the way I imagined, but the MAMMA Project reminded me that sometimes the support you need finds you at exactly the right time.
I hope that one day I can be that same source of support and encouragement for another mom and family, just as MAMMA has been for mine.
Thank you, MAMMA Project. Thank you to every donor and volunteer. And Happy Black Breastfeeding Week! đź’•
