Experiences, beliefs and attitude on donation of human milk in women of Arauco province

Abstract

Introduction: Breastfeeding is the natural process in which an infant is fed with breast milk. In humans, it is a biocultural process, subject to modifications based on social, economic and cultural influences. In this context, The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) considers that “breastfeeding is key for survival”. Objective: To interpret the perception about experiences, beliefs, and attitudes towards the donation of breast milk in adult women from the “Dr. Rafael Avaria Valenzuela Hospital” in the commune of Curanilahue, Biobío Region, Chile. Materials and Methods: Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. The convenience sample was made up of 15 women who participated in a semi-structured interview. A content analysis was applied to the obtained results using informant triangulation. Results: Women presented knowledge of the act of donating breast milk, emphasizing an altruistic paradigm. They associated this act with generosity, especially for babies who do not have access to breast milk directly from their mothers. There is a smaller group that has participated in cross-nursing in a family setting, having the certainty of who is giving and who is receiving the milk. Conclusions: The cross-nursing is an approved practice among the interviewed women, who consider it an altruistic act. However, its practice is based on reasons of trust and closeness.