Milk Donor Turned Surrogate: Megan Margau’s Journey of Giving

Pumping with Purpose

Megan Margau’s journey into milk donation began with a challenge many new moms face: unexpected breastfeeding struggles. “I was one of those people who assumed that my baby was going to latch, they were going to eat, and that everything would be okay and easy… that was not my situation at all,” she recalls.

In the chaos of new motherhood, she found herself unprepared. “I had no clue what I was doing. My husband was sitting next to me reading the breast pump manual while our first baby was crying,” she says. What she discovered during that time, however, was that she was an overproducer — something she hadn’t initially recognized.

By the time her second child was born, Megan had a new mindset. “The first time I was hoarding all of my milk because I didn’t know how much I was going to make or how much I would need,” she says. “And then the second time I was determined to like share some of this overproduction.’” That intention led to a remarkable donation of more than 7,000 ounces to a local milk bank.

Inspired by Megan’s donation? Learn how you can join the Milk Donation Challenge!

How Milk Donation Became Megan’s Superpower

Milk donation became not just a way to help other families, but an empowering part of her identity. “I had to go buy a freezer because I had so much milk,” Megan jokes. Managing it all required flexibility and the right tools. “My kids are very active in sports. We’re a busy family. I work. I think just advocating for yourself and knowing where you can pump and what you can do is important.”

She credits wearable, cordless pumps with making that advocacy possible. Whether she was juggling work or attending concerts, Megan made sure her pumping needs were met. “By the time I was on my second pumping journey, I was going to an Eric Church concert with my pumping bag, telling the security officer, ‘No sir, I actually can take this in. Your pumping rooms are located here and there.’”

Curious about the her favorite products during her pumping journey? Find more Megan’s pumping must haves.

Milk Myths and Donor Truths

As a milk donor, Megan encountered skepticism — but she’s quick to clear up misconceptions. She emphasizes how thoroughly milk banks screen donations. “I had to have blood tests and medical clearances before they would even accept me as a donor.”

She also reminds people that milk sharing isn’t new. “There used to be wet nurses, and their whole job was to feed babies at one point.” While she believes strongly in meeting each baby’s unique needs, Megan is passionate about keeping breast milk accessible to those who want it. “Yes, fed is best,” she says, “but there are options if breast milk is important to you. And sharing that with someone else who may not be able to give that to their baby … it’s very meaningful.”

Curious about how to donate your milk? Learn more about how to pump, ship and donate your oversupply!

From Milk to Miracles: Becoming a Surrogate

Megan’s journey into surrogacy was sparked by her milk donation experience. While donating to a local mom — who also happened to work for ConceiveAbilities and had been a two-time surrogate — Megan found herself intrigued. “She had been a surrogate twice, and I just sort of started following her journey.”

At first, Megan wasn’t sure if it was something she could do. But the more she learned, the more she felt drawn to it. “I knew my family was complete… and I just started messaging her, going down the rabbit hole.” Eventually, the two women started their next journeys together — her friend’s fourth, and Megan’s first.

Advice for Aspiring Donors and Surrogates

To anyone considering milk donation or surrogacy, Megan offers this: “Talk to people who’ve done it. You don’t know what you don’t know. There’s so much information.” She encourages others to take the time to research, ask questions, and really understand the process. “Educate yourself on all the beautiful things it can be and how it can benefit someone else and your family as well.”

Whether you are donating milk to help an infant in need or you are interested in helping someone build their family through surrogacy, your gift can have a profound impact on a family.