Meet Anna, who has donated more than 2,000 ounces of breast milk in memory of her son, Angel.
At Mothers’ Milk Bank, some of our most rewarding work is in getting to know the people behind the milk – the brave and passionate donors and recipients who believe in the power of human milk donation to save lives. We’d like to share the story of Anna Goss, a bereaved donor who has found comfort in pumping and donating as she grieves the loss of her baby boy.
Tell us who you are.
My name is Anna Goss. I am 31 years old and live in the Coachella Valley with my husband, Eric, and our soon-to-be four year old son, Mateo. On June 3 of this year, I went into preterm labor with our baby, Angel, at 23 weeks and two days. He weighed only 1 lb., 4 oz. After two weeks in the NICU, he was sent to a different hospital an hour away from us. We never left his side. He went to heaven on July 15, and that was the first and only time I was able to hold him.
Tell us about your breastfeeding journey.
I felt so helpless while Angel was in the hospital, but I kept pumping throughout his stay to make sure he got the nutrients he needed from my milk – especially because I was unable to produce enough milk for my older son, Mateo. Once Angel passed away on July 15, I told the hospital that I wanted to donate all of the breast milk I had pumped and stored during his short stay. They let me know that because it had never been tested, if I were to leave it, they would have to throw it away. That’s when our social worker recommended Mothers’ Milk Bank California.
We’re so glad you found us! What made you continue the journey after Angel passed away?
I knew I wanted to continue my breastfeeding journey after my son passed away because it was the only thing I could do for him. I know how beneficial breastmilk is, and I wanted other sick babies in the NICU to grow big and strong when my own son couldn’t. My husband’s coworker gave me a breast pump and the baggies to store milk in. My goal was to continue pumping up until Angel’s scheduled due date, which was September 28, 2025.
Please share some of the highs and lows of your breastfeeding journey.
The hardest part of my pumping journey has been the fact that I never got a chance to nurse my son, and I think about it every time I pump. Having to wake up in the middle of the night to pump on a machine instead of nursing Angel was heartbreaking. I would pump every three hours and store milk with the time, date and amount I was able to pump, keeping the milk safe until it was time to make my next donation.
Even with the sadness, I’m comforted knowing that I was able to nurture my son and so many other babies in need. I have donated more than 2,000 ounces of milk since my journey began.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a milk donor?
It’s such a rewarding journey. The practical advice I would love to give other parents is to make sure you stay hydrated and eat well. Pumping can be exhausting, and it can take a toll on your mental health. What helped me most was drinking a lot of water, taking warm showers, and sticking to a pumping schedule every three hours. Your baby is a fighter, and so are you. Keep holding on to hope.
Lastly, I want to share a sentiment from Angel, to all the babies out there who are on the receiving end of donor milk: “From my tiny heart to yours, I’m sending you love in every drop. The milk carries the warmth of momma’s arms, the strength of my family’s love, and the hope that we would’ve grown together. May it comfort you, help you grow strong, and remind you that even from heaven, we’re still connected. You are not alone.”
Thank you, Anna, for honoring Angel in such a profound way! You have made a lifelong difference for other families and the health and wellness of babies in need. We’re so glad you found Mothers’ Milk Bank California.
