Experiences of human milk donation in Andalucía-Spain: a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: The benefits of feeding human milk to infants have been well-documented. Collecting excess human milk from lactating mothers is an important social service. The Human Milk Banks depend on donors, and knowing the subjective aspects of donors seems quite important. Objective: Compiling the experiences, beliefs, motivations and difficulties concerning milk donation in a group of donors belonging to the Human Milk Bank of Granada- Andalucia. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted from May to June of 2013. The sample consisted of 7 women who donated milk to the Human Milk Bank located in the Virgen de las Nieves hospital of Granada. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview. Results: Most of the interviewees were over thirty years old, had completed or were in the process of completing university, married, and had one or two children. During the interview, the following subjects were discussed with the mothers: Decision of becoming a donor, support to the donor, motivation for donating, and difficulties donating. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that many mothers are still not aware that there are milk banks present in their location. Expanding the number of milk banks in Spain is essential for hundreds of premature babies who are in need of this necessary resource.