Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra possesses an uncommon medical condition known as hyperlactation syndrome. This extraordinary mom produces an excessive amount of breast milk, spending five hours a day pumping and graciously donating it to premature babies. Her generous act has earned her a Guinness World Record for donating the equivalent of 800 two-liter bottles of Coke in milk. Loading Something is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you’re on the go. download the app The following as-told-to essay is derived from a conversation with Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra and has been edited for length and clarity. Prior to my pregnancy with my first daughter, Isabella, in 2014, I realized the significance of my rare A-negative blood type and made sure to donate blood as often as possible. The idea of assisting people and making a difference appealed to me. However, following my pregnancy, I found a new way to contribute to those in need – breast milk donation. Today, I donate my breast milk to premature babies and other newborns who rely on this critical source of nutrition to survive. To date, I have donated a minimum of 1,600 liters of milk to babies throughout the United States. Recently, I set a new Guinness World Record for the largest individual donation of breast milk. While it was a thrilling experience, my hope is that it brings greater awareness to the importance of milk donation. Having hyperlactation syndrome, I produce an astonishing 200 ounces of milk per day, with around 40 ounces going towards feeding my 7-month-old son, Benjamin. The diagnosis in 2014 finally shed light on why I had been lactating since my 14th week of pregnancy. By the 20th week, I was already producing approximately 30 ounces a day, often necessitating the use of washcloths under my shirt to absorb the overflow. As the discomfort grew, I acquired a hand pump, followed by an electric one. Surprisingly, producing milk proved to be more uncomfortable than pregnancy itself. Even after Isabella was born, my milk production continued to rise. While it was important for me to nurse her, managing such an excessive milk supply proved to be quite challenging. I was required to pump before breastfeeding to avoid overwhelming her. Attempting to nurse her when my breasts were full led to a distressing situation for her. The frequency of pumping meant that I was virtually confined to my home. Becoming a new mom is already isolating, but my situation magnified that feeling. My desire to help mothers who struggled to provide breast milk for their infants intensified. My hyperlactation syndrome diagnosis came when Isabella was 3 months old. Doctors conducted various tests, including a CAT scan of my pituitary gland, which revealed an enlargement. They wanted to determine if a pituitary tumor was responsible for excessive prolactin production, but fortunately, this was not the case. They explained that during pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can lead to pituitary gland enlargement. While it is normal for a pregnant woman’s pituitary gland to return to its regular size after birth, mine remained abnormally enlarged. My endocrinologist presented me with the option of using bromocriptine to reduce prolactin production. However, doing so could potentially diminish my milk supply, leaving me unable to nurse Isabella. I opted for close monitoring, continued medical care, and regular testing to maintain my health. Even before the birth of my daughter, I had already considered donating my milk to a local midwives’ practice. As pregnant women cannot donate blood, assisting other mothers who had given birth and struggled to provide breast milk seemed like a worthwhile endeavor. Subsequently, I began donating to a large milk bank in California and also provided milk to local moms who reached out to me via Facebook. Many babies in my hometown of Portland, Oregon, have benefited from my breast milk. Initially, my kitchen refrigerator overflowed with frozen milk awaiting donation. My husband, David, had to remove the ice maker, and we eventually added two chest freezers in our garage. Despite my consistent donations, it doesn’t take long for these freezers to reach capacity. Two years after Isabella’s birth, I became pregnant with my second daughter, Sophia. Once again, I needed to pump before nursing, just as I did with Isabella. The same holds true for Benjamin. It’s amusing because all my children were small at birth, but around the 4-month mark, they transformed into chubby babies due to their substantial breastfeeding. At this point, I am contemplating a double mastectomy in the future to halt lactation entirely. Meanwhile, my older children still enjoy my milk in their oatmeal. Their robust immune systems suggest that my milk has contributed to their resistance against common childhood illnesses. Technological advancements have afforded me much-needed freedom throughout the years. I can now pump on-the-go, even while driving, thanks to the portable breast pump made by BabyBuddha. I have managed to reduce my pumping sessions to five or six per day. I have discreetly pumped during outdoor concerts with a crowd of people around me, and surprisingly, no one noticed. Though I am currently considering a double mastectomy since I feel I have explored all other viable medical options, the idea is difficult to comprehend. If I do undergo this surgery, it will be once I have finished nursing Benjamin. Until then, I will continue to donate my milk. Many individuals have referred to me as an angel due to my contribution to ensuring the survival of numerous babies. While I find it challenging to accept such praise and attention, the kind words do offer a positive perspective on my condition, and they fill my cup. If you have a compelling story to share with Insider, please send the details to [email protected].
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