Hyperlactation Syndrome Becomes a Lifeline: Oregon Mom Donates Over 10,000 Liters of Breast Milk
Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra: A Record-Breaking Milk Donor
Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra, a mother from Aloha, Oregon, has achieved a remarkable feat, earning the Guinness World Record for the largest donation of breast milk by an individual. As of January 23, 2025, she had donated an astonishing 10,350.73 liters (over 2,700 gallons) of breast milk. Her extraordinary contributions have provided a vital lifeline for thousands of premature and medically fragile babies globally, offering them essential nutrients and crucial immune protection that only human breast milk can deliver, especially those in neonatal intensive care units.
Turning a Rare Condition into a Lifesaving Mission
What makes Elisabeth's story particularly unique is that she lives with hyperlactation syndrome, a rare medical condition that causes her body to produce 8 to 10 times more breast milk than the average mother—around 6 to 6.7 liters every single day. Instead of allowing this excess milk to go to waste, she dedicates hours daily to pumping, meticulously storing, freezing, and preparing her milk for distribution. Her selfless efforts ensure that hospitals and milk banks receive a continuous supply of this invaluable resource, directly benefiting vulnerable newborns who need it most.
Advocacy and Empowerment Beyond Donation
Beyond her record-breaking donations, Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra extends her impact by working as a certified lactation counselor and educator. In this role, she actively helps other mothers navigate and overcome breastfeeding challenges. Furthermore, she tirelessly raises awareness about the critical importance of milk donation and sheds light on rare lactation disorders, transforming her personal experience into a powerful platform for advocacy and support within the wider maternal and infant health community.
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