A critical review of human milk sharing using an intersectional feminist framework: Implications for practice

Driven by a growing body of research demonstrating the health benefits of human milk over substitute feeding preparations, the demand for human milk donations in North America is rapidly increasing. In the context of an increasingly institutionalized and commercialized human milk market, informal peer-to-peer milk sharing networks are commonplace. Race, class, gender and sexual orientation are intersecting aspects of identity and power that influence participation in breastfeeding and the domain of milk exchange. Using an intersectional feminist framework, we critically review studies of participation in milk sharing to examine the identities and socio-political circumstances of milk sharing participants.

We use an intersectional feminist framework to conduct a critical review of the evidence pertaining to human milk sharing participants in North America. The search strategy included relevant databases (Pubmed, CINAHL) and hand-searches of key journals. We include research studies with participants in the United States and Canada and where participants milk shared as recipients or donors.

Of those studies that examine socio-political identities such as race and class, participants are largely white and high-income. Many studies did not examine socio-political identities, and none examine sexual orientation. Themes we identify in this review include: (1) Socio-political identities; (2) Milk sharing supports parental health; (3) Socio-political influences; (4) Resistance against institutionalization.

Maternity care providers can advocate for improved access to breastfeeding support and pasteurized human donor milk to address inequities. Maternity care providers can bring consciousness of intersecting socio-political identities to discussions with families about milk-sharing.