Mom Donates Over 2,000 Ounces of Breast Milk After Her Son Tragically Passed Away

By Alessia Santoro

Published on 12/21/2016 at 11:09 AM

I am officially done pumping. 2,370 ounces total, which is about 18.5 gallons in milk. After I pumped 1000oz I decided to keep going and set another goal, which was to pump my body weight in breast milk. I got the idea from my dad. Well, I succeeded! All those ounces come out to about 148.1 lbs., which is more than I weigh, thankfully. Thanks to my sweet Ronan I was able to bless three babies with milk. After I empty out my freezer, 2,300 of those ounces will have been officially donated. I defiantly feel lucky to have been able to help babies stay healthy, and grow. With my two boys in heaven I have donated a total of 2,810 ounces. I know I donated with Noah as well, but cannot remember the exact amount. I believe it was around another 100oz. Not going to lie, it was a good feeling to be able to do this, and for mothers trusting me enough to use my milk. Oh sweet Ronan how I miss you. There are days where I wish I could relive the NICU days just to see you alive and whole. I know that isn't possible, so I will cherish your 11 days of life in my heart forever. You were such a blessing to carry in my womb, (no matter how much I complained) I will never wish I had not. There are many things I wish, for example sibling bonding, to kiss you, to snuggle, to watch you grow, and learn. Thankfully this isn't forever, and I will see your beautiful face again. #donated #babyboy #love #breastmilk #beauty #rainbowbaby #missed #infantloss #blessed #mommy #boymom

A photo posted by Ariel Matthews (@little_mermaid_13) on

Ariel Matthews's journey as a mother has been difficult, but that hasn't stopped her from selflessly donating her breast milk to ensure other babies stay healthy. After she tragically lost her third son, Ronan, at just 11 days old, Matthews continued pumping — just as she did when she lost her second son, Cayden. Between the milk that came in with both boys, she has pumped and donated 2,810 ounces.

"Thanks to my sweet Ronan I was able to bless three babies with milk," Matthews wrote in a post to Instagram. "I definitely feel lucky to have been able to help babies stay healthy and grow. With my two boys in heaven I have donated a total of 2,810 ounces. . . . Not going to lie, it was a good feeling to be able to do this, and for mothers trusting me enough to use my milk."

Matthews also shared that after having her now toddler, Noah, she donated around 100 ounces of milk, despite needing to feed her son. Although her situation is devastating, this mom's strength and selflessness is truly inspiring.