In an incredible display of compassion and determination, Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra, a 35-year-old mother hailing from the West Coast, has gifted a staggering 350,000 ounces of her own breastmilk to premature babies across the globe, effectively setting a Guinness World Record for the largest individual donation of breastmilk.
This monumental achievement, equivalent to nearly 1,600 liters or 800 2-liter bottles of Coca-Cola, highlights her unparalleled dedication to nurturing the tiniest and most vulnerable lives.
Breastmilk journey of Anderson-Sierra
Anderson-Sierra’s journey began with her diagnosis of hyperlactation syndrome, a condition that led to her body producing an excess of breast milk due to heightened milk production.
“My body creates a significant amount of the hormone called prolactin which drives milk production,” explained Anderson-Sierra, illuminating the science behind her remarkable feat.
The journey was not without its challenges. Pumping an average of nearly two gallons of milk daily, Anderson-Sierra devoted four to five hours a day, totaling a staggering 958 days over the course of nine years to her mission.
“It’s equivalent to a full-time job,” she likened it, having retired from the U.S. Coast Guard where she specialized in law enforcement and search and rescue.
Many of the recipients she aided were infants labeled as “failure to thrive,” a term used for those struggling to gain weight and height properly.
While she admitted that her journey was often exhausting and even painful, Anderson-Sierra found solace in the knowledge that her tireless efforts were contributing to saving lives.
Empowerment through breastmilk
Not content with her incredible contributions, Anderson-Sierra harnessed her experience to become a Certified Lactation Counselor and the Director of Lactation Services at BabyBuddha.
Through this platform, she empowers mothers daily with insights and advice on making pumping a more manageable experience. Utilizing social media, she shares her relatable journey, aiming to ensure that others don’t face the challenges she did. “I’ve taken that and worked on my platform as a way to share with other moms – so mothers don’t have to experience things I experienced. To support them in the workplace, at home, or on the go,” she passionately stated.
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