Determinants of human milk donation: data from women donors at a milk bank

Abstract

Objective To analyze the sociodemographic variables of women registered as milk donors at a Human Milk Bank and assess their association with the volume of milk donated. Method Sociodemographic data was collected from registered home donors, as well as breastfeeding characteristics between 2017 and 2020 at the Human Milk Bank of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís. The volume of donated milk served as the outcome variable and its association with other exposure variables were analyzed. Results At the end of the study, a total of 619 donors had their records analyzed. The median volume donated was 1,285 ml (IQR 300 - 3,570 ml). Maternal age, exclusive breastfeeding, and the baby's age were the characteristics that showed an association with the volume of milk donated (p <0.05). Conclusion and Practice Implications In the studied sample, maternal and infant age and exclusive breastfeeding practice were associated with the volume of milk donated. Knowledge of the sociodemographic factors of human milk donors and their relationship with the volume of milk donated can support the development of actions to increase the volume of milk distributed to premature newborns.