Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
09:09
A Method for Targeted 16S Sequencing of Human Milk Samples
Published on: March 23, 2018
10.2K
Exploring human milk donation: A cross-sectional study
Evy Present1, Els Driessen1, Yvonne Kuipers1,2
1Department of Health and Life Science, Artesis Plantijn University of Applied SciencesUnited Kingdom.
Public Health in Practice (Oxford, England)
|January 14, 2026
Summary
Informal human milk donation in Belgium is driven by personal attitudes and milk surplus or shortage. Most donations occur via social media and personal networks, highlighting the need for healthcare provider awareness.
Area of Science:
- Human milk donation practices and perspectives.
- Infant nutrition and public health.
Background:
- Human milk donation is crucial for infant nutrition, especially for vulnerable infants.
- Understanding current donation practices and public attitudes is essential for policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine and describe current practices and perspectives on human milk donation in Belgium.
- To identify factors influencing the intention to donate or receive human milk.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing an online survey distributed to women and their partners/co-parents in Belgium.
- Collected data on demographics, awareness, information resources, milk transfer, contact, intention to donate/receive, attitudes, and donation practices.
- Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- 873 respondents participated. Milk surplus/shortage is the primary factor influencing donation intention (88% donate, 78% receive).
- Most donations occur through social media (50%) and personal networks (47.6%).
- Key perspectives include healthcare provider familiarity (3.7/4), public awareness (3.6/4), mandatory blood testing (3.5/4), and donor screening (3.5/4). Human milk banks are valued (3.5/4), and altruism is key (3.4/4).
Conclusions:
- Personal attitudes and intentions significantly shape informal, self-regulated human milk donation.
- Healthcare providers should consider these perspectives when advising on milk donation.
- Broad support exists for making human milk accessible to all infants.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
68
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
68
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
73
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
73