In a touching display of compassion, Wisconsin resident Emma Johnson found a way to honor her late son by donating 500 ounces of breast milk to infants in need following his passing. Emma had looked forward to breastfeeding her second child, Ethan, but after receiving the heartbreaking news during her pregnancy that he had been diagnosed with Trisomy 18—a rare genetic disorder that can lead to severe developmental issues—everything changed.
Ethan, born in September, did not survive, leaving Emma devastated. In a poignant Facebook post, she expressed her desire to help other babies, stating, “I couldn’t save Ethan’s life, but perhaps I could save another baby’s life.” After Ethan’s death, Emma dedicated herself to pumping breast milk for 63 days, culminating in her final donation on what would have been Ethan’s due date, November 13. She described the experience of walking through the hospital halls as a significant step in her healing journey, feeling connected to her son during the process.
Understanding Trisomy 18
Trisomy 18, caused by the presence of an extra 18th chromosome, occurs in approximately 1 in 2,500 pregnancies in the U.S. and can lead to life-threatening complications even before birth. Emma reflected on the uncertainty of her situation: “It was earth-shattering not knowing what our future held. Not knowing if we’d get to meet our baby or not.”
The Challenges of Pumping
Before Ethan’s passing, Emma had committed to donating her breast milk and aimed to produce 1,000 ounces. However, she faced challenges with her milk supply. “Pumping is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard. Mentally and physically. And it’s even tougher when you don’t have a baby to feed,” she shared. Despite the difficulties, she viewed the act of pumping as a vital link to her son, hoping he would be proud of her efforts.
Raising Awareness
Emma decided to share her story to raise awareness about Trisomy 18. “Although it has been overwhelming, I am grateful that these news outlets are focusing on Trisomy 18,” she wrote. “This isn’t my story. It is Ethan’s story.” She has also begun selling merchandise to support her nonprofit organization, “Smiling for Ethan,” with aspirations to continue her son’s legacy.
Further Reading
For more information on related topics, you can explore this blog post about home insemination. Additionally, for authoritative insights on the journey of parenthood and fertility, consider visiting Make a Mom and CCRM IVF.
In summary, Emma Johnson’s story is a poignant reminder of resilience and empathy in the face of loss. Her act of donating breast milk serves as a beacon of hope for families in need while raising awareness about Trisomy 18.