Despite the life-saving potential of donor human milk, awareness and acceptance remain critically low among expectant mothers in Kenya, a recent study has revealed.
The research, conducted at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, by a team of researchers from the University of Nairobi titled, “‘Your baby can take my milk… but my baby won’t take yours’; determinants of willingness to donate and utilize human breast milk among pregnant women at a health facility in limited resource settings,’’ highlights significant barriers to the uptake of this vital resource.
The study found that while the concept of donor human milk exists, many pregnant women expressed reluctance to allow their own babies to consume it.
Fears of disease transmission, a general mistrust of the process, and cultural discomfort were cited as major drivers for this hesitation.
According to this study, acceptance of donor milk is more likely to occur only in unavoidable or extremely necessary situations, or when strongly recommended by healthcare providers, particularly in cases of maternal illness or insufficient milk supply.
Donor milk serves as a crucial alternative when a mother's own milk is unavailable or insufficient. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastmilk is the optimal nutrition for newborns especially for vulnerable infants such as pre-terms, those with low birth weight, orphans, or critically ill babies. It provides essential antibodies that offer superior protection against infections compared to formula, while also supporting optimal growth and neurological development, leading to shorter hospital stays.
The successful implementation and sustainability of uptake of donor breast milk from donor milk banks in Kenya hinges on public awareness, perceptions, and acceptance.
The study recommended integration of health education initiatives, as part of Antenatal and Postnatal care. Involving all key stakeholders, including healthcare workers, relatives, community health workers, and peers to promote acceptance and ensure community support in increasing awareness and promoting human milk banking was also recommended.
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