Potential Donors' Awareness and Perceived Feasibility of Donating Human Milk in Australia

ABSTRACT

Human milk banks rely on voluntary donations from lactating individuals producing more milk than their baby needs, to make pasteurised donor human milk (PDHM) for preterm babies. Demand for PDHM is increasing, as is the need for donors. Few Australian studies have explored potential donors' awareness and perceived feasibility of donating to a milk bank. We aimed to survey women breastfeeding their own child (< 24 months) or pregnant (and intending to breastfeed), and residing in major metropolitan areas of Australia, to determine their awareness of milk banks, and interest in and perceived feasibility (ease, eligibility) of donating to a milk bank. 1221 participants completed the survey (112 pregnant women, 1109 breastfeeding women). Most (78%) had heard of milk banks, and 81.7% lived in an area eligible to donate to a milk bank, yet only 11% were aware of a milk bank in their area. Most (60%) pregnant women would prefer to use online sources or health professionals to find information about donation. Most breastfeeding women (77%) were interested in donating milk, however only 26% thought it would be easy to meet milk bank requirements, and that they would be eligible to donate. Barriers to donating for breastfeeding women involved having no excess milk to donate, lack of time to express/donate, and lack of space to store milk. Awareness raising of local milk banks, promotion of donation information amongst healthcare professionals, and modifications to improve feasibility of donation will likely engage new potential donors and ensure sustainability of milk banks.