In-depth review of Donor Milk Use in the US: Findings and Recommendations for Action

The use of human milkand breastfeeding to feed preterm infants (i.e., infant born prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy) is a priority, since while these infants comprise only about 12.7% of births, they contribute about 35% of infant deaths. Breast- and human milk feeding is associated with lowered morbidity and mortality, as well as shorter hospital stays; an international symposium concluded that human milk feedings for very low birthweight infants reduce the risks and the associated costs of late onset sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with the positive impact of milk microbiota on the developing gut microbiota. (Meier et al. 2013) The WHO  has established a priority list that breastfeeding is optimal, followed by feeding of mother’s milk, another mother-of-premature’s milk, other mothers term infant’s milk, pasteurized donor milk, and last, formulas.  In the US, there are now about 13 functioning milk banks developed as non-profits under the guidance of HMBANA and at least 1-2 others that are for profit privately owned. In order to better understand the issues in human milk banking and related use of human milk, a literature review and a series of intensive key informant interviews with several of the non-profit and one of the for profit banks were carried out.  This review and exploration has resulted in several lessons learned and possible recommendations for future directions in this field, and will be widely disseminated.

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Meier PP, Bode L. Health, nutrition, and cost outcomes of human milk feedings for very low birthweight infants. Adv Nutr 2013 Nov 6;4(6):670-1.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Other professions or practice related to public health
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Discuss current controversies in the use of human milk in the US, and explain at least 3 recommendations for forward movement in this field.

Keyword(s): Breastfeeding, Infant Mortality

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the co-investigator on the study being presented. I have worked in the field of infant and young child feeding for several years, and have expertise in the topics being presented.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3081.1: Breastfeeding Forum Poster Session