We continue to monitor COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses in our communities. Read the most current information about prevention, testing and where to go if you're sick.

COVID-19 Information

After Premature Twins Benefit from Donated Breast Milk, Grateful Mom Gives Back

St. Louis Children’s Hospital employee helps MoBap’s milk bank reach new milestone

Expecting moms understandably have a lot on their minds.

For Katie Youngmeyer, a lot was an understatement.

Last summer, Katie, a feeding therapist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and her husband, Klint, were preparing to welcome twin boys while also helping their two daughters adjust to the idea of becoming big sisters. Then everything sped up. Katie experienced preterm labor, meaning her sons were coming earlier than expected and would require a lengthy stay in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Suddenly Katie and Klint had to decide how to feed their boys until Katie could breastfeed, which she preferred.

A stressful, scary situation got a little easier, thanks to Missouri Baptist Medical Center. MoBap’s work with OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank allows families to benefit from donated breast milk and made the hospital a drop-off location for mothers who wish to donate.

Katie’s now done both.

A huge relief

Youngmeyer twinsOn Aug. 20, 2024, at MoBap, Harrison and Emmett Youngmeyer were born at 34 weeks and four days gestation.

The brothers remained under the watchful eye of the NICU staff for more than a month so their growth could be carefully monitored. Fortunately, Katie’s body started producing breast milk just a few days after the boys’ birth. Until then, a small amount of donated breast milk went a long way.

“To be provided with donor milk instead of having them transition to formula right away was such a huge relief,” Katie says. “The staff was able to talk to us about the benefits and why they recommend it over providing formula from the get-go. It was then easy for them to transition to my milk.”

For premature babies, the benefits of breast milk are significant. It helps support developing immune systems, promotes healthy brain and organ development, and reduces risks of serious infections and complications.

Safety as a priority

With her daughters, 5-year-old Avery and 2-year-old Isla, Katie learned her body tends to produce more milk than her children need.

Katie had donated milk in the past, before the 2024 launch of MoBap’s milk bank drop-off location, by relying on online groups that connect families with donors. When she decided she wanted to donate again, she knew where she would go moving forward. She trusted the safety protocols followed by MoBap and OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank.

“Donors are so thoroughly vetted,” Katie says. “It’s a little bit of a process, and rightfully so. That makes me feel better, as someone who has received that milk. I know it’s safe.”

Katie’s screening process to donate included providing letters from doctors, completing multiple rounds of lab work and a check of the medications she takes, and more. Donors go through a medical and lifestyle review along with comprehensive blood tests during a process that can take up to a month. Donated milk is then pasteurized and checked for any potential bacteria before it is distributed to babies in need.

Katie checked all the boxes to donate, then checked her freezer.

Even with twins, it was getting full.

A big delivery

After consulting with MoBap’s Infant Feeding Clinic team, Katie determined she had enough milk stored to start donating again.

She then made her first milk drop at MoBap, handing over nearly 1,500 frozen ounces carefully stacked into a bulging freezer bag.

For context, a newborn’s stomach capacity is 5–7 milliliters or 0.17–0.24 ounces—about half the height of a cherry when poured into a bottle—during the baby’s first few days. At one month, a baby’s stomach capacity is 80–150 milliliters, or about 3–5 ounces. In theory, Katie’s donation could have helped feed more than 200 newborns for a day, or a single month-old baby for about a week and a half.

These numbers help illustrate why milk banks celebrate milestones, like the recent one of 5,000 ounces collected via donation at the MoBap milk drop location, where 15 donors have contributed, with several donating more than once.

“It was such a relief, and I was so blessed to have that as an option for the boys,” Katie says. “We are so grateful for all the care we received in the NICU. Everyone, the entire team, was so wonderful. It was one little thing we could do to give back. I can’t give them money, but I can give them something they can use and know it’s going to go back to the families that team is helping.”

Harrison and Emmett recently turned 9 months old. They now weigh about 17 pounds each.

“They’re big, strong boys,” Katie says. “They’re doing great. Sitting, rolling all over the place, sleeping well—finally.”

Katie’s second donation drop at MoBap, delivered recently, totaled more than 300 ounces.

Learn more about the benefits of donor milk or how to become a donor.

Contact Information

For appointments or additional information about Outpatient Therapy Services, please call 314-996-3500.

Related Content

Find a Doctor or Make an Appointment

Our new search tool will help you choose a doctor or health care provider that is best for you or your family.

Search Now

Center for Outpatient Therapy and Wellness

At Missouri Baptist Medical Center our outpatient rehabilitation maintains the standard of excellence in care that you have come to expect.  Our highly trained therapists focus on the latest research in rehabilitation to help direct your care.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Infant Feeding Clinic

Whether your baby needs ongoing feeding assistance after leaving the hospital or you are experiencing new feeding issues once you return home, our experienced Occupational Therapists (OT) are here as a resource and support for you and your baby.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Physical Therapy Can Help Improve Pelvic Floor Health

It's the problem no one wants to talk about — or the one you might not even know you have. Pelvic floor disorders can occur when the muscles and tissue that help support your bladder, bowel and reproductive organs weaken, tighten or are injured. This can cause issues with incontinence and sexual health.

 

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Mastering the Art of Proper Breathing

Proper breathing can help to reduce stress and relieve pain. Learn these simple tips that you can practice anywhere at any time.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT®) is an innovative and effective treatment program for the speech communication (LSVT LOUD®) and physical/occupational therapy (LSVT BIG®) needs of individuals with Parkinson's disease as well as aging and other conditions including stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common and often embarrassing condition that may lead to decreased engagement in meaningful activities due to pain or fear of incontinence. Our certified pelvic floor specialist will help give you the freedom to do the things you want to do

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Bring down the swelling and stress

Lymphedema is a type of chronic swelling that can occur if there is damage to the lymphatic system or if the lymphatic system becomes overloaded by excess fluid due to infection or other medical issues, such as surgery, radiation or trauma to the lymph vessels. 

As the first and only National Lymphedema Network  Affiliate Treatment Center in the St. Louis area, find out how the Center for Outpatient Therapy and Wellness can help.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Chronic Pain Therapy

From gaining weight and having troubling sleeping, to mood swings and even depression, pain can have far-reaching effects. You want relief. And that’s why we’re here.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right
Rich Welmon stroke survivor sits in his workshop.

Every Second Matters When a Stroke Occurs

That fall day in October 2016 was just like any other weekday. Rich Welmon, a mechanic, got up and went to work; he didn’t think anything of the heaviness he felt in his leg or the short episode of dizziness he experienced during the day. But when his left hand refused to respond the next evening, he knew something was wrong.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

The Role of Rehab: Improving the Joint Replacement Patient’s Level of Function

If you’ve suffered from the discomfort and pain associated with bad knees or unstable hips, joint replacement surgery may be an option.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Certified Hand Therapy

An injury to your arms or hands can have a significant impact on your quality of life and independence. Missouri Baptist has a certified hand therapist on-staff.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Living in Full Engagement

MS LIFE (Multiple Sclerosis—Living in Full Engagement) is a targeted rehabilitation initiative that breaks down barriers and allows for full participation in life.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right

Vestibular Rehabilitation

At Missouri Baptist Medical Center our vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) program can help patients compensate for inner ear deficits and treat a variety of vestibular and balance problems.

Learn More keyboard_arrow_right