Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaiʻi (RMHC Hawaiʻi) provides a home-away-from-home for families who must travel to Oʻahu so their children can receive lifesaving medical care. During these extended hospital stays, many mothers face the additional challenge of maintaining breastfeeding while caring for a critically ill or medically fragile child. Unfortunately, many arrive without a breast pump or are waiting months for insurance approval, making it difficult to provide breast milk during this critical time.

Our Nurturing Beginnings: Breastfeeding Support Program ensures mothers have access to reliable breast pumps and essential pumping supplies throughout their stay. Breast milk provides important nutritional and immunological benefits for infants, particularly those with complex medical conditions, while also strengthening the bond between mother and child during an incredibly stressful experience.

RMHC Hawaiʻi serves approximately 360 families each year, and we estimate that nearly 75% of mothers staying with us would benefit from access to a breast pump. However, our current inventory consists of only four hospital-grade pumps that are approximately eight years old and showing signs of wear. The limited number and aging equipment often leave mothers waiting for access when they need it most.

Funding from this grant will help us replace aging equipment and expand the availability of high-quality breast pumps, ensuring mothers have dependable access whenever they need it. By reducing barriers to breastfeeding, we can support maternal well-being, improve infant health outcomes, and provide comfort and stability for families navigating one of the most difficult times in their lives. Every additional pump helps ensure that no mother has to choose between caring for her hospitalized child and maintaining her breastfeeding journey.