An Alternative to Mother’s Own Milk: Maternal Awareness of Donor Human Milk and Milk Banks

Abstract

Background The use of donor human milk is rising. Maternal awareness of donor human milk use, milk donation, and milk banks has not been well described in the United States. Research Aims To explore maternal experience, knowledge, and attitudes regarding donor human milk use and milk donation. We also assessed counseling by medical providers about donor human milk use and donation. Methods A cross-sectional prospective survey design was used in this study. We anonymously surveyed mothers ( N = 73) attending the 1 to 2-week well newborn appointment. Analyses were completed using one-way ANOVA and logistic regression. Results Participants’ infants primarily received their own mother’s milk (87%, n = 61). No infants received donor human milk, but 4% ( n = 3) of participants donated milk. The majority of participants had positive responses to attitudinal statements about donor milk. When presented with a hypothetical scenario, participants chose formula (89%, n = 59) over donor human milk (11%, n = 7) for their infant. Moreover, if donor human milk was the only option available, they chose donor human milk from a relative or friend (60%, n = 40) over a milk bank (40%, n = 26). Medical providers had discussed donor human milk use or donation with 4% ( n = 3) of participants. Conclusions The majority of participants previously had minimal experience using donor human milk and limited knowledge regarding donor human milk and milk banks. According to participants, medical providers did not routinely discuss milk donation and the role of donor human milk with families.

Attitudes towards human milk banking among native turkish and refugee women residing in a rural region of Turkey: a mixed-methods approach

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Emotional journey of Asian mothers of premature infants who received pasteurised donor human milk: a qualitative study

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“…Previous publications have reported experiences of mothers with DHM in other countries, including mothers of premature infants 16–21. There is no published study on experiences of mothers with premature infants in a multiracial Asian society; therefore, we have embarked on this study in our institution.…”

Influence of Homogenization in the Physicochemical Quality of Human Milk and Fat Retention in Gastric Tubes

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