Ep. 340: Connecting Communities Through Donor Milk with Kelly Cox of Share the Drop

The Birth Lounge Podcast

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe chats about the benefits and logistics of donor milk with Kelly Cox, founder of Share the Drop, an innovative app connecting donors to recipients. Kelly discusses the need for and benefits of donor milk, particularly for those facing various breastfeeding challenges and the stringent criteria of formal milk banks. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support and informed decision-making in ensuring the health and wellbeing of infants. They also touch on safety measures, the history and evolution of milk donation, and the cultural and health implications of lactation support. This episode serves as both an informational resource and a testament to the power of community-driven support systems in maternal and infant health.

01:01 The Benefits and Challenges of Breastfeeding

02:03 Introducing Donor Milk

02:13 Challenges in Donating Breast Milk

03:33 Meet Kelly Cox and Share the Drop

07:44 Kelly's Journey to Founding Share the Drop

21:00 The Importance of Community Support

23:02 Ensuring Safety in Donor Milk Sharing

29:05 How to Use the Share the Drop App

29:42 Creating and Managing Your Profile

30:07 Subscription Fees and Waivers

30:25 Traveling and App Activity

31:53 Mother's Day Gift Ideas

33:53 Legal and Liability Concerns

34:59 Importance of Feeding Plans

38:27 Community Support and Resources

39:57 Healthcare Providers' Perspectives

49:23 Historical and Cultural Context of Wet Nursing

54:40 Conclusion and Contact Information

Guest Bio:

Kelly Cox is a registered prenatal yoga teacher, a birth doula, former mental health therapist, and breast cancer survivor; all of which led her to understand the stress and anxiety felt when caregivers are unable to produce enough, or any, breast milk.

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BIRTH EDUCATION:

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LINKS MENTIONED:

www.sharethedrop.com

Human Milk Banking Association of North America: https://www.hmbana.org

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