Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 20, 2025
04:16
Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
Published on: February 7, 2025
667
Turkish Women's Beliefs Concerning Human Milk Banking
Suzi Özdemir1, Sena Dilek Aksoy1, Gaye Soyaslan Akdağ2
1Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Science, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey.
Summary
Turkish women show interest in donor milk banking but lack sufficient information. Increased public awareness campaigns are recommended to address knowledge gaps and promote the establishment of milk banks in Turkey.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Neonatal Care
- Human Milk Banking
Background:
- Donor milk banks offer a vital alternative for mothers unable to provide human milk.
- Despite the practice of wet-nursing, Turkey currently lacks a formal donor milk bank.
- This study addresses the need for understanding public perception regarding milk banking in Turkey.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Turkish women's knowledge and opinions on donor milk banking.
- To gauge interest in establishing donor milk banks in Turkey.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for donor milk bank utilization and donation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted.
- Data were collected via a 22-question online survey distributed through social media.
- The survey targeted 648 literate women aged 18-64 actively using social media.
Main Results:
- Over half of participants (54.2%) had heard of donor milk banks, while 54.1% were nulliparous.
- A majority (56.4%) desired the implementation of donor milk banks in Turkey.
- Concerns regarding disease transmission and future marriage of milk siblings were noted barriers.
Conclusions:
- Turkish women demonstrate a willingness towards donor milk banking but exhibit a significant lack of information.
- Public awareness initiatives are crucial for the successful establishment and operation of donor milk banks.
- Further research could explore specific educational strategies to overcome identified concerns.
