Amber Star Merkens
Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast
Amber Star Merkens is the NY Outreach Coordinator for Mothers' Milk Bank Northeast, a non-profit community milk bank providing safely screened and pasteurized donor milk to 19 hospitals throughout New York State, and beyond. Amber is also the Associate Director of Nurture{Bklyn}, a community space for new parents and perinatal professionals, and a mother of two who has worked with new families for nearly a decade in different roles – first as a dance instructor, then as a Postpartum Doula, Certified Breastfeeding Counselor, Newborn Care Specialist, Newborn Mothers Postpartum Professional, and NICU family advocate. Amber's second child was born prematurely, at 28 weeks, and successfully breastfed for 21 months, despite 6 months in the NICU. Her daughter's survival against the odds inspires Amber every day to help other babies and families get what they need to survive and thrive. Amber is extremely grateful to all the incredible mothers who donate their milk to help premature and critically ill infants in need.
Episodes for this expert
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Breastfeeding a Preemie
When we’re pregnant, we all hope for a healthy baby and a safe labor and delivery experience. And sometimes the best outcome for mom and baby is giving birth much sooner than expected. How does breastfeeding change as the parent of a preemie? What kind of support can you expect from the hospital? How can you maintain your milk supply even when your baby is too small to feed from the breast? And what are your options when it comes to donor milk?
