Exploring the Perspectives and Experiences of Donor and Recipient Mothers Regarding Human Milk Bank Services in Iran

Human milk provides essential nutrition for infants, particularly vulnerable preterm and low-birth-weight neonates. This qualitative study explored Iranian mothers' perspectives on human milk bank (HMB) services through semi-structured interviews with 16 participants (9 donors, 7 recipients) across four HMBs. Using inductive content analysis, we identified five key themes: (1) Expanding opportunities for HMB utilization requires integrating milk donation education into prenatal programs and addressing awareness gaps; (2) Familiarizing parents with HMB services through healthcare providers and social media is crucial for engagement; (3) Infrastructure limitations including equipment shortages and insufficient HMB locations hinder service delivery; (4) Donated human milk (DHM) represents both hope for recipients and fulfillment for donors; and (5) Religious beliefs about milk kinship and family support significantly influence participation. Findings reveal that while Iran has developed the Middle East's most extensive HMB network, cultural and religious considerations around milk kinship require sensitive approaches. Donors reported altruistic motivations and emotional rewards, whereas recipients described DHM as critical for infant survival. Key barriers included limited public awareness, equipment deficiencies, and concerns about milk safety. The study highlights the need for culturally adapted education campaigns, standardized equipment, and policy support to expand services. These results provide valuable insights for improving HMB implementation in Muslim-majority contexts while addressing unique regional challenges in neonatal nutrition. The research underscores DHM's potential to reduce infant mortality when combined with appropriate infrastructure and community engagement strategies.