Donor Milk Utilization for Healthy Infants: Experience at a Single Academic Center

Formal and informal human milk donation in New Zealand: a mixed-method national survey

BACKGROUND

Mother's milk provides optimal nutrition for infants. Donor human milk (DHM) is recommended for low birthweight infants when mother's milk is unavailable. Little is known about human milk (HM) donation practices in New Zealand (NZ), where few HM banks are available. This study aimed to investigate parents' and health professionals' (HP) experiences with formal and informal HM donation in NZ.

METHODS

Two electronic surveys were disseminated in 2022 to parents and HPs involved with HM donation in NZ. The surveys covered respondents' views and experiences with HM donation. HPs were also asked about HM donation practices in their workplace. Chi-squared and Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact tests were used for quantitative analysis and qualitative data were thematically analysed using inductive approach.

RESULTS

A total of 232 HP and 496 parents completed the surveys. Most parents either donated (52%) or sought DHM (26%) for their infant and most donations were informal, arranged between individuals (52%) or through hospital staff (22%). HP reported DHM was used in 86% of facilities, with only 20% of donations facilitated by HM banks. Almost half (48%) of HP stated they would like to use DHM in their workplace but access was limited. The most common screening processes undertaken by parents and HP before informal HM donation were lifestyle including smoking status, medication, drug and alcohol intake (44% and 36%, respectively) and serological screening such as CMV, HIV, Hepatitis C or B (30% and 39%, respectively). Pasteurisation of DHM obtained informally was not common. Most donors were satisfied with their HM donation experiences (informal and/or formal, 91%) and most respondents supported use of DHM in hospitals and community. Participants reported HM donation could be improved (e.g., better access) and identified potential benefits (e.g., species-specific nutrition) and risks (e.g., pathogens) for the infant. Potential benefits for the donor were also identified (e.g., altruism), but respondents acknowledged potential negative impacts (e.g., cost).

CONCLUSION

Informal HM donation in NZ is common. Most parents and HP support the use of DHM; however, improvements to current practices are needed to ensure safer and more equitable access to DHM.

Unlocking the Potential: A Systematic Literature Review on the Impact of Donor Human Milk on Infant Health Outcomes

Human mother milk is considered the most healthy and best source of nutrition for both premature and full-term infants, as it possesses many health benefits and is associated with its consumption. Some of the mothers are not able to produce an adequate quantity of milk to meet the required needs of the infants, particularly in cases involving premature births or facing challenges in breastfeeding. Especially for the most vulnerable premature infants, donor human milk (DHM) provides a helpful bridge for effective breastfeeding. Even with the advancement in baby formulas, no other dietary source can match the bioactive matrix of benefits found in human breast milk. This literature review discusses the risks associated with prematurity and explores the use of DHM in the care of premature infants. It helps prevent substantial preterm complications, especially necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and late-onset sepsis, which are more commonly seen in infants who are given formulated milk made from cow's milk. It gives insights into the benefits of DHM, such as immunological and nutritional benefits, which is a basic infant's need. When medical distress prevents mothers from producing enough breast milk for their infants, pasteurized human donor breast milk should be made accessible as an alternative feeding option to ensure infants remain healthy and nourished. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases and other sources. A total of 104 articles were searched, of which 35 were included after identification, filters were applied, eligibility was checked, and references out of scope were excluded. Human milk banking should be incorporated into programs encouraging breastfeeding, highlighting lactation in mothers and only using DHM when required.

Racial Disparities in Donor Human Milk Feedings: A Study Using Electronic Medical Records

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the use of pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) by maternal race-ethnicity during postpartum hospitalization using electronic medical records (EMRs).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all live-born infants at our academic research institution from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2016, was conducted. EMR data were used to determine whether each infant received mother's own milk (MOM), PDHM, or formula. These data were stratified based on whether the infant received treatment in the Neonatal Critical Care Center. Generalized estimating equation models were used to calculate the odds of receiving PDHM by maternal race-ethnicity, adjusting for gestational age, birth weight, insurance, preferred language, nulliparity, and mode of delivery.

Results

Infant feeding data were available for 7097 infants, of whom 49% were fed only MOM during their postpartum hospitalization. Among the 15.9% of infants admitted to neonatal critical care, infants of non-Hispanic Black (odds ratio [OR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.72), Hispanic (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.36-1019), and Other (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.32-1.26) mothers had lower rates of PDHM feedings than infants of non-Hispanic White mothers in the adjusted models. Among well infants, the use of PDHM was lower among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic mothers (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.18-0.36, and OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.26-0.56) compared with non-Hispanic White mothers.

Conclusions

Inequities in exclusive human milk feeding and use of PDHM by maternal race-ethnicity were identified. Antiracist interventions are needed to promote equitable access to skilled lactation support and counseling for PDHM use.

Relationship Between Maternal COVID-19 Infection and In-Hospital Exclusive Breastfeeding for Term Newborns

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between maternal COVID-19 infection and the odds of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding for term newborns.

Design

Retrospective descriptive quantitative.

Setting

A large, urban hospital with more than 6,000 births annually.

Sample

Term newborns born between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021 (N = 6,151).

Methods

We retrospectively extracted data from electronic health records to evaluate the relationship of maternal COVID-19 infection with the odds of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding using univariate analysis and logistic regression models. The covariates included insurance type, race/ethnicity, glucose gel administration, length of stay, newborn gestational age, newborn birth weight, and maternal COVID-19 infection.

Results

Maternal COVID-19 infection was not significantly related to the odds of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding (p = .138) after adjustment for covariates in the logistic regression model. However, when newborns who received pasteurized donor human milk supplementation were excluded from the logistic regression model, maternal COVID-19 infection significantly decreased the odds of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding (p = .043).

Conclusion

Maternal COVID-19 infection was not significantly related to the odds of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding when newborns received donor human milk supplementation. Access to donor human milk for supplementation for term newborns may protect the odds of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding.

Clinical Characteristics and Breastfeeding Outcomes in Term Dyads Following In-Hospital Supplementation with Pasteurized Donor Human Milk or Formula

Background: Pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) supplementation for healthy infants is an emerging practice. Little is known about demographics or breastfeeding outcomes for dyads whose mothers choose PDHM versus formula. Research Aims: To identify relationships between in-hospital supplementation choice and (1) dyad characteristics and breastfeeding intent, and (2) breastfeeding outcomes at 1 month. Materials and Methods: This exploratory prospective cohort study surveyed healthy dyads requiring medically indicated supplementation. Participants completed questionnaires including demographics, breastfeeding intent, and self-efficacy during hospitalization, and self-efficacy and lactation outcomes at 1 month. Results: Of 39 participants, 24 (62%) supplemented with formula and 15 (38%) with PDHM. Formula dyads were more likely than PDHM dyads to have a delivery body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² (58% versus 20%, p = 0.02), and less likely to have attained greater than a college degree (33% versus 7%, p = 0.02); formula dyads also reported lower breastfeeding intent scores (12.0 versus 15.5, p = 0.002). Breastfeeding self-efficacy scores were similar but decreased for both groups over 1 month. At 1 month, mothers who chose formula were more likely to continue to provide breast milk to their infants (84% versus 72%). Direct breastfeeding rates were similar (72% versus 68%); of participants directly breastfeeding at 1 month, PDHM dyads were 1.5 times more likely to provide maternal expressed milk. Conclusions: Differences in maternal education, BMI, and breastfeeding intent were found between feeding groups. Results suggest an association between PDHM choice and initial breastfeeding intent and breastfeeding self-efficacy and provision of maternal expressed milk at 1 month.

Factors Associated with the Use of Pasteurized Donor Milk for Healthy Newborns: Experience from the First Human Milk Bank in Vietnam

Background: Pasteurized donor milk (PDM) is typically prescribed to preterm or low birthweight newborns when their mother’s own milk is unavailable. In surplus, PDM is prescribed to meet the nutritional needs of healthy newborns in the first few days of life. However, its overuse can undermine efforts to promote and support breastfeeding, waste resources, and reduce the availability of PDM for at-risk newborns. We conducted this study to examine factors associated with the prescription and prolonged use (>48 h) of privately purchased PDM to healthy newborns. Methods: Prospective observational study of 2440 mothers of healthy, term, and normal birthweight newborns born at Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children between April and August 2019. In addition to the descriptive analysis, we performed multiple logistic regressions to examine factors associated with the prescription of PDM (n = 2440) and prolonged PDM use among those who used PDM (n = 566). Results: Twenty-three percent (566/2440) of healthy, term, and birthweight ≥2500 g newborns received PDM and were included in the study. The prevalence of PDM use was higher for cesarean births (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.66, 2.55) and among male newborns (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.62), but lower for farmers or workers (vs. other jobs; OR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.93), family income <10 million VND (vs. ≥10 million VND; OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.82), and duration of skin-to-skin ≥90 min (vs. <90 min; OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.76). Prolonged PDM use (12.4% of 566 newborns who used PDM) was associated with the mother having a higher socioeconomic status job (professional, small trader or homemaker; OR: 4.00; 95% CI: 1.39, 12.5), being a first-time mother (OR: 3.39; 95% CI: 1.92, 6.01) or having a cesarean birth (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.02, 4.28). Conclusions: The prescription and prolonged use of privately purchased PDM was associated with non-medical factors unrelated to the ability to breastfeed effectively. The findings suggest the need for improved breastfeeding communication, counseling and support skills for health staff, development, and application of strict criteria on PDM use for healthy newborns and better routine monitoring of PDM use over time.

Use of donor human milk in nonhospitalized infants: An infant growth study

When mother's own milk (MOM) is unavailable or insufficient, donor human milk (DHM) is recommended as the next best alternative for low birthweight infants. DHM use for healthy, term infants is increasing, but evidence for growth and tolerability is limited. This retrospective study evaluated growth in term infants in the community who received DHM from a UK milk bank. Mothers of infants receiving DHM between 2017 and 2019 were contacted (n = 49), and 31 (63.2%) agreed to participate. Fourteen infants received DHM as a supplement to other feeds (MOM and/or infant formula) and 17 were exclusively fed DHM where breastfeeding was impossible (range: 3–6 weeks). Growth was assessed by deriving z‐scores using the WHO standard for infant growth and compared with 200 exclusively breastfed infants. Multivariate regression analysis revealed no feeding method‐specific association between z‐score and age, nor between weight and age, suggesting that z‐scores and growth velocity were not affected by feeding exclusive MOM, supplemental DHM or exclusive DHM. DHM was well‐tolerated with no adverse events that led to early cessation. After receiving supplemental DHM group, 63% of infants whose mothers had no physical barrier to breastfeeding (5/8 infants) were exclusively breastfed. This novel study reports adequate growth outcomes of healthy nonhospitalized infants receiving DHM, either as the sole milk source or supplement. Prospective studies are needed to confirm whether DHM is a suitable feeding alternative for term infants in the community, optimal durations, as well as the impact of DHM availability on breastfeeding rates and maternal mental health.

DHM recipients were compared with the who infant growth standard (World Health Organization, 2020) by deriving z‐scores. The WHO Anthro Macro (World Health Organization, 2011 ) was used to calculate weight‐for‐age, length‐for‐age and head circumference‐for‐age z‐scores; z‐scores are the standard deviation of an infant's anthropometric measurements when compared with the WHO standard for infant growth and are gender and age specific.

Donor Human Milk Use in Populations Other than the Preterm Infant: A Systematic Scoping Review

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for an infant's first 6 months of life. If unable to breastfeed, expressed breast milk, including donor human milk (DHM), is recommended for optimal nutrition. Benefits of DHM in preterm infants have been established by extensive research. However, less is known about DHM use in other populations. Objective: To conduct a scoping review of the literature regarding DHM use in populations other than preterm infants. Materials and Methods: PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov were used to search for articles and clinical trials published between January 1, 2000 and February 29, 2020. In total, 182 articles and reports were identified and screened by 2 independent reviewers. Results: Twenty-six articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Studies were mostly observational in design and included infants born >35 weeks gestational age with health risks (9/26) and healthy infants (14/26). Most studies in infants with health risks (7/9) investigated clinical outcomes, with small, observational studies suggesting potential improvements in feeding tolerance and gastrointestinal health. Regarding healthy infants, no studies addressed growth, only one study measured clinical outcomes, and findings related to breastfeeding outcomes were conflicting. Over half of the studies reviewed (15/26) were not designed to establish a potential relationship between DHM use and relevant health-related outcomes. Conclusion: The current evidence of DHM use in populations other than preterm infants is limited by lack of direct health measures and infrequent use of randomized trials. More research is warranted to investigate clinical, growth, and breastfeeding outcomes.

National Prevalence of Donor Milk Use Among Level 1 Nurseries

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Donor milk use has increased among very preterm infants because of mounting evidence of health benefits; however, the extent that donor milk is used among healthy term infants in level 1 nurseries is unclear. We aimed to determine (1) national prevalence of and (2) hospital factors associated with donor milk use in level 1 nurseries.

METHODS

Among 3040 US birthing hospitals, we randomly selected hospitals from each of 4 US regions (119 in northeast, 120 in Midwest, 116 in west, and 103 in south) for a total of 458 hospitals. We surveyed the nursing leaders of these hospitals from October to December 2017 regarding routine use of donor milk in the level 1 nursery (yes or no). To estimate national prevalence, we weighted responses according to the number of birthing hospitals within each region. We examined relationships between routine donor milk use in the level 1 nursery and hospital characteristics using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 214 of 458 (47%) nursing leaders responded. The national prevalence of routine donor milk use in level 1 nurseries was 17.6%. Eighty-five percent of donor milk programs were ≤5 years old. Donor milk use occurred more often in hospitals with ≥1500 annual births (41.7%), compared to ≤500 annual births (6.3%) (adjusted odds ratio 7.8; 95% confidence interval 1.8-34.4), and in the west (30.9%), compared to the northeast (10.5%) (adjusted odds ratio 4.1; 95% confidence interval [1.1-14.9]).

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is limited evidence to support donor milk for healthy infants in the nursery, nearly one-fifth of level 1 US nurseries routinely used donor milk in 2017.

Type of feeding provided with dextrose gel impacts hypoglycemia outcomes: comparing donor milk, formula, and breastfeeding

OBJECTIVE

Examine neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) outcomes based on type of feeding provided with first dextrose gel.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective matched cohort study of 99 infants ≥35 weeks gestational age who received dextrose gel in combination with breastfeeding, formula feeding, or donor milk feeding for NH. The exposure was feeding type. The outcomes were: (1) median change in blood glucose (Δ BG) concentration after first gel, (2) odds of second gel, and (3) odds of recurrent NH.

RESULTS

Median Δ BG was greater in formula (17.0 mg/dL) and donor milk (19.0 mg/dL) fed vs. breastfed infants (7.0 mg/dL). Donor milk and formula feeding were both associated with lower odds of second gel and recurrent NH. Associations remained significant in late-preterm infants, but only formula feeding remained significant in full-term infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Formula and donor milk feedings both raised blood sugar concentrations, but the impact differed by gestational age.

Supplementation Practices and Donor Milk Use in US Well-Newborn Nurseries

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Guidelines encourage exclusive breastfeeding for healthy newborns but lack specificity regarding criteria for medically indicated supplementation, including type, timing, and best practices. We set out to describe practice patterns and provider perspectives regarding medically indicated supplementation of breastfeeding newborns across the United States.

METHODS

From 2017 to 2018, we surveyed the Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns representative from each Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns hospital regarding practices related to medically indicated supplementation. We used descriptive statistics to compare practices between subgroups defined by breastfeeding prevalence and used qualitative methods and an inductive approach to describe provider opinions.

RESULTS

Of 96 providers representing discrete hospitals eligible for the study, 71 participated (74% response rate). Practices related to criteria for supplementation and pumping and to type and caloric density of supplements varied widely between hospitals, especially for late preterm infants, whereas practices related to lactation consultant availability and hand expression education were more consistent. The most commonly reported criterion for initiating supplementation was weight loss of ≥10% from birth weight, and bottle-feeding was the most commonly reported method; however, practices varied widely. Donor milk use was reported at 20 (44%) hospitals with ≥81% breastfeeding initiation and 1 (4%) hospital with <80% breastfeeding initiation (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies related to supplementation vary among US hospitals. Donor milk availability is concentrated in hospitals with the highest prevalence of breastfeeding. Implementation of evidence-based management of supplementation among US hospitals has the potential to improve the care of term and late preterm newborns.

Clinical impact of neonatal hypoglycemia screening in the well-baby care

OBJECTIVES

To determine the proportion of well-appearing newborns screened for hypoglycemia, yield of specific screening criteria, and impact of screening on breastfeeding.

STUDY DESIGN

The retrospective study of well-appearing at-risk infants born ≥36 weeks' gestation with blood glucose (BG) measurements obtained ≤72 h of age.

RESULTS

Of 10,533 eligible well newborns, 48.7% were screened for hypoglycemia. Among tested infants, BG < 50 mg/dL occurred in 43% and 4.6% required intensive care for hypoglycemia. BG < 50 mg/dL was associated with lower rates of exclusive breastfeeding (22% vs 65%, p < 0.001). Infants screened due to late-preterm birth were most frequently identified as hypoglycemic. The fewest abnormal values occurred among appropriate weight, late-term infants of nondiabetic mothers.

CONCLUSION

Hypoglycemia risk criteria result in screening a large proportion of otherwise well newborns and negatively impact rates of exclusive breastfeeding. The risks and benefits of hypoglycemia screening recommendations should be urgently addressed.

Evidence-Based Updates on the First Week of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Infants ≥35 Weeks

The nutritional and immunologic properties of human milk, along with clear evidence of dose-dependent optimal health outcomes for both mothers and infants, provide a compelling rationale to support exclusive breastfeeding. US women increasingly intend to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. Because establishing lactation can be challenging, exclusivity is often compromised in hopes of preventing feeding-related neonatal complications, potentially affecting the continuation and duration of breastfeeding. Risk factors for impaired lactogenesis are identifiable and common. Clinicians must be able to recognize normative patterns of exclusive breastfeeding in the first week while proactively identifying potential challenges. In this review, we provide new evidence from the past 10 years on the following topics relevant to exclusive breastfeeding: milk production and transfer, neonatal weight and output assessment, management of glucose and bilirubin, immune development and the microbiome, supplementation, and health system factors. We focus on the early days of exclusive breastfeeding in healthy newborns ≥35 weeks' gestation managed in the routine postpartum unit. With this evidence-based clinical review, we provide detailed guidance in identifying medical indications for early supplementation and can inform best practices for both birthing facilities and providers.

Disparities in Donor Human Milk Supplementation Among Well Newborns

BACKGROUND

Donor human milk supplementation for healthy newborns has increased. Racial-ethnic disparities in supplementation have been described in the neonatal intensive care unit but not in the well newborn setting.

RESEARCH AIM

The aim of this study was to identify maternal characteristics associated with donor human milk versus formula supplementation in the well newborn unit.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study includes dyads of well newborns and their mothers (N = 678) who breastfed and supplemented with formula (n = 372) or donor human milk (n = 306) during the birth hospitalization at a single hospital in the midwestern United States. Maternal characteristics and infant feeding type were extracted from medical records. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to examine associations between maternal characteristics and feeding type.

RESULTS

Nonwhite women were less likely to use donor human milk. Compared to non-Hispanic white women, the largest disparity was with Hispanic (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.28, 95% CI [0.12, 0.65]), then non-Hispanic black (adjusted OR = 0.32, 95% CI [0.13, 0.76]) and Asian women (adjusted OR = 0.34, 95% CI [0.16, 0.74]). Lower donor human milk use was associated with primary language other than English and public versus private insurance.

CONCLUSION

The goal of improving public health through breastfeeding promotion may be inhibited without targeting donor human milk programs to these groups. Identifying the drivers of these disparities is necessary to inform person-centered interventions that address the needs of women with diverse backgrounds.

Benefit by design: Determining the 'value' of donor human milk and medical products derived from human milk in NICU

The use of donor human milk to provide therapeutic benefit to infants should only proceed where there is positive 'value'. This can be determined through an assessment of the benefit and the known risks. The emergence of new products derived from human milk requires new value assessments. The known hazards in human milk are modified by differences in the donor selection, processing methods and intended use and result in a unique risk assessment where any of these factors vary. The human source of the raw product requires high ethical standards in the design of these services with care taken to protect donors and recipients from harm. Any supplement to maternal milk should be provided cautiously to avoid displacement of maternal lactation.

Donor Milk Policies for Level 1 Newborn Care: A Descriptive Analysis

Background and Objectives: Providing pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) to healthy newborns is an emerging practice. The content of hospital policies that govern this practice is unknown. Materials and Methods: We collected policies from 15 Northeast U.S. hospitals through (1) a 2017 survey on DHM use and (2) an e-mail listserv of levels 1 and 2 newborn care staff maintained by a regional milk bank. Two authors reviewed each policy and identified how they addressed three predetermined themes: who is eligible to receive DHM, how DHM is used and described, and how lactation is supported. Responses were compared, discussed, and reconciled. Level 1 newborn care was defined as basic care for healthy newborns ≥35 weeks' gestation. Results: Thirteen of 15 policies stated criteria for DHM eligibility, most commonly as a bridge until mother's supply comes in (73%) or for infant medical conditions (67%). All required consent for DHM. Most did not limit number of days infants could receive DHM (60%). Nine specified that DHM be discarded 24 hours after thaw, whereas five recommended discarding at 48 hours. Although many (53%) policies endorsed human milk as the preferred diet for newborns, only 27% specifically endorsed DHM as the preferred supplementation type. Parent education (73%) was emphasized, but few (27%) discussed the importance of establishing mother's milk supply. Conclusions: Many DHM policies address eligibility criteria for receiving DHM and show how to provide DHM, but few address how to support lactation while DHM is provided, which may be crucial for optimizing long-term breastfeeding outcomes.

Current Trends in Research on Human Milk Exchange for Infant Feeding

Breastfeeding is critical for the healthy growth and development of infants. A diverse range of infant-feeding methods are used around the world today. Many methods involve feeding infants with expressed human milk obtained through human milk exchange. Human milk exchange includes human milk banking, human milk sharing, and markets in which human milk may be purchased or sold by individuals or commercial entities. In this review, we examine peer-reviewed scholarly literature pertaining to human milk exchange in the social sciences and basic human milk sciences. We also examine current position and policy statements for human milk sharing. Our review highlights areas in need of future research. This review is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and others who provide evidence-based care to families about infant feeding.

Nurses' Views on Using Pasteurized Donor Human Milk for Hypoglycemic Term Infants

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore maternal child nurses' knowledge and beliefs about using pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) to treat newborns with hypoglycemia. Pasteurized donor human milk has been used for decades in neonatal intensive care units, but its use is relatively new in the well-baby population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Focus groups of maternal child nurses were conducted to explore this topic.

RESULTS

Six focus groups that included a total 20 nurses were held. Four themes were identified: 1) nurses presumed safety of PDHM but lacked knowledge, 2) nurses' role as patient-family advocate, 3) nurses' logistical concerns about implementation of PDHM, and 4) nurses lacked clarity on formal milk sharing versus PDHM.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

As the use of PDHM increases for well babies, nurses will need more education about PDHM, its safety profile, its use in breastfeeding support and protection of the infant microbiome, and how PDHM differs from informal milk sharing. Nurses play an important role in helping parents weigh risks and benefits of using PDHM or formula when supplementation is needed during the hospital stay. It is important that nurses feel confident in their own knowledge and ability to address parental concerns so they can advocate for their patients and support parental decision-making.

Donor human milk use in neonatal units: practice and opinions in the Republic of Ireland

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, where mother's own milk (MOM) is unavailable, the use of donor human milk has become increasingly common in preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. Limited literature exists regarding donor human milk practices in neonatal units.

AIMS

To examine practices and opinions regarding use of donor human milk in neonatal units in the Republic of Ireland.

METHODS

Cross-sectional postal survey of all neonatologists and paediatricians working in each of the 19 neonatal units in the Republic of Ireland.

MAIN RESULTS

Eighty-eight paediatricians and neonatologists were surveyed and 44 (50%) replied. Responses were received from 20 (95%) neonatal units, of whom 15 (75%) reported using donor milk. Sixty percent of units had a written donor milk policy however significant variation existed in birth weight and gestational age thresholds for its use. Thirty-eight (86%) of respondents were opposed to the use of donor milk for supplementation of otherwise healthy term neonates. Ten (23%) of respondents believed that supplementation with donor milk compared to formula improves long-term breastfeeding rates. Twenty-two (56%) agreed that the majority of studies supporting the use of donor milk to prevent necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants were undertaken in the past 15 years.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to evaluate current practices and opinions regarding donor milk use in the Republic of Ireland and highlights the necessity to develop a national guideline of evidence-based best practice.