Explaining the Experiences of Donors, Recipients, and Healthcare Providers Regarding Milk Donation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis Publisher Pubmed



Z Mahdikhani ZAHRA ; Js Shahideh Jahanian SADATMAHALLEH ; Z Alimoardi ZAINAB ; A Habibelahi ABBAS
Source: International Breastfeeding Journal Published:2025

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization recommends Donated Human Milk as the first option if maternal milk is unavailable. In this research, the researchers intend to obtain a set of in-depth information about the experiences of mothers and healthcare workers of human milk bank. Methods: A content analysis method was used to carry out this meta-synthesis. The modified PECO-S method was used to determine the inclusion criteria. A comprehensive search without a time limit for studies was performed using milk bank and related combined keywords. A combination of electronic and manual searches of several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Embase, Web of Science, and ProQuest, was performed. First, the titles and abstracts were examined by two reviewers. Two researchers used the Joanna Briggs Institute tool to evaluate the quality of the studies. All findings of eligible studies were considered, and the open coding was used for data analysis. The codes were extracted from each article’s text. Finally, the concepts were coded again to obtain the themes. Results: Relevant qualitative studies were reviewed, and a total of 36 articles were subjected to meta-synthesis. The total number of participants included in the studies was 1,389, ranging in age 14—45 years. From the total of 134 extracted codes, 25 subcategories, eight categories, and four main themes were obtained: a) Donating milk, reviving two lives, b) Empathy and all-round support necessary to promote milk donation, c) Receiving donated milk: the paradox of choosing health or disease, and d) Development and facilitation of the infrastructure required to improve milk donation and receiving services. Conclusions: Based on the study results on the experience of milk donation, educational programs can be designed to encourage milk donation. Empathy and support for encouraging milk donation should be provided at the family, community, and healthcare system. Incorrect beliefs lead to hesitation in accepting donated milk. Health policymakers need to implement actions to correct these negative beliefs. The development and facilitation of milk bank infrastructure are essential for improving milk bank services. It is necessary to update the awareness of community and facilitate the use of milk bank services. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.