Amber Jade de Beer: A supermom's inspiring journey in breast milk donation

A Parklands mother has donated more than 150 litres of breast milk to medically vulnerable infants across the country, helping provide them with essential nutrients and antibodies during their critical early development.

Amber Jade de Beer, 28, began donating two months after the birth of her son, Jaxx, on 8 June 2022. She continued following the birth of her daughter on 5 March this year.

Her contribution was acknowledged by Candice Willemse, milk handler for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital.

Ms Willemse highlighted the importance of donor milk, particularly for premature babies. “If mothers are unable to provide breast milk for their own baby, then we rely on donor breast milk to ensure that medically vulnerable infants receive the nutrients and antibodies their developing systems need,” she said.

She added that breast milk lowers the risk of illness such as necrotising enterocolitis, a serious intestinal infection that is a leading cause of death in newborns.

Ms De Beer said she had initially learned about breast milk donation while attending support sessions for mothers at the Stork’s Nest Clinic at the hospital.

“I had heard about breast milk donation but after learning more about it at the hospital, I decided to sign up, as I happened to have an oversupply of milk. Being able to give back in this way gave me an added sense of purpose during those early months and when I had my second baby recently, I didn’t hesitate to donate again,” she said.

Her supply dried up in April last year ahead of her second pregnancy, but she resumed donating after giving birth again this year.

“I enjoy breastfeeding because it gives my children exactly what they need. When the children are sick, the breast milk adjusts to what they need — the antibodies and nutrients. Not forgetting the bonding during breastfeeding,” she said.

Ms De Beer expressed milk daily and alternated between breastfeeding and pumping. She also completed blood tests every three months — covered by the milk bank — and signed an indemnity form confirming she met health requirements, including not smoking or consuming alcohol or recreational drugs.

“It is worth every contribution, even if it is just one bag of 50ml. Every drop counts,” she said.

She created a TikTok account, @moms_liquidgold, to raise awareness around breast milk donation.

She would express milk and make trips to the hospital as part of her routine and recently realised how meaningful a contribution was. 

“I never gave it much thought until a recent support group meeting at the hospital, when one of the other mums asked about the cooler box I had with me. When I explained I had just dropped off a breast milk donation, three other mums gave me the most heartfelt thanks — their babies had all been in the neonatal intensive care unit in recent months and had all needed donated breast milk. That’s when I realised what a powerful impact even the smallest donation can have,” she said.

Ms Willemse praised Ms De Beer’s commitment. “Between her first set of donations in 2022 and now this year, Amber has provided more than 150 litres of breast milk – and counting. Her selfless gift is benefiting not only the recipients at our hospital but also other Netcare facilities. Despite her busy family life and career, her willingness to help has not waned, and we are truly grateful. To us, Amber is a Supermom,” she said.

“That’s when I realised what a powerful impact even the smallest donation can have,” Ms De Beer said. 

Ms De Beer said Ms Willemse jokes that she should keep having children so that she knows the freezers will always be stocked for those little lives that need breast milk.

“Sadly, donors are few and far between. Every drop counts, so if ever you are considering dumping excess milk down the drain, know that the option exists to donate and make a very real difference,” she said. 

Ms Willemse highlighted the significance of becoming a breastmilk donor, thanked Amber and others who have reached out to help babies in need by making donations through  their milk banks. 

She explained the proven health benefits of breastmilk, which are significant for newborns, and even more so for premature babies who have an immature gut.

“If mothers are unable to provide breastmilk for their own baby, then we rely on donor breast milk to ensure that medically vulnerable infants receive the nutrients and antibodies their developing systems need. Due to the high concentration of antibodies in breastmilk, premature babies who are given donated breastmilk face a significantly lower risk of illness, such as necrotising enterocolitis, which is an infection of the intestines and remains a leading cause of death in newborns,” she said. 

According to Verena Bolton, national coordinator of Netcare Ncelisa human milk banks, over 4,690 babies have received donated breast milk since the initiative began in 2017.

The milk banks operate under the Netcare Foundation and distribute donated breast milk free of charge to both public and private sector hospitals.

“All mothers who are eligible and who have excess milk can begin to donate once the screening process and blood tests are completed, which are done at no cost to the donor. Breast milk from eligible donors is processed in accordance with strict protocols and regulations to ensure absolute safety for the infants who receive it,” said Ms Bolton.

Ms Willemse said that they also provide the breast milk bags and instructions for proper storage. Donations can be dropped off at any one of their 35 human milk collection sites around the country. Depending on the donor’s location, transport can also be arranged to have the milk collected.

“We accept all donations made through our existing processes up to when the donor’s own baby is six months old, as we supply milk to newborn and premature infants who require milk with the right levels of antibodies,” she said.

Women who are interested in becoming breast milk donors can contact their nearest Netcare hospital with maternity facilities or visit the Netcare Ncelisa human milk banks website at: https://www.netcare.co.za/netcare-hospitals/specialist-services/women-mother-baby/maternity/ncelisa-human-milk-banks