Characterization of human milk donors

Area of Science:

• Human milk banking
• Lactation science
• Donor characterization

Background:

• Understanding human milk donor characteristics is crucial for milk bank operations.
• Identifying factors influencing donation can improve milk supply.
• Previous research has not comprehensively detailed donor demographics, lifestyle, and experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively characterize human milk donors.
• To explore demographics, lifestyle, motivations, and challenges.
• To identify factors influencing milk donation and pumping.

Main Methods:

• Telephone interviews were conducted with 87 human milk donors.
• 19 nondonor controls were also interviewed for comparison.
• Data collected included demographics, lifestyle, donation reasons, breastfeeding/pumping issues, barriers, and values.

Main Results:

• Few correlations were found between donor descriptors and milk donation volume.
• Human milk donors reported fewer difficulties with milk pumping compared to nondonors.
• Key motivations and barriers to donation were identified.

Conclusions:

• Donor characteristics have limited impact on donation volume.
• Donors may possess enhanced pumping efficacy or support.
• Findings inform strategies for donor recruitment and retention.
• Recommendations provided for increasing milk donation amounts.