Rural Nurses’ Views on Breastmilk Banking in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Qualitative Study

Mahlatjie, Mantji Annah; Bopape, Makoma; Maputle, M.S.

doi:10.3390/nursrep12040074

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…In addition, participants expressed a need to educate health workers on donated breast milk. Health workers influence how the public perceives donated breast milk [ 21 , 27 , 31 ]. A hospital-based study in eastern Uganda revealed that health workers encouraged mothers to use donated breast milk [ 29 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The positive perceptions in our study may be because some participants had been exposed to donated breast milk before or because health workers understand the significance of breast milk. A study in Limpopo Province, South Africa, reported that health workers know the value of donated breast milk and are familiar with human milk banking [27]. Similarly, Coutsoudis et al, 2011, clearly illustrated that people with prior experience and exposure to donated milk were more convinced of its value and efficacy [18].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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“It’s just like a blood transfusion”: perceptions on the use of donated breast milk in selected hospitals in central Uganda: a qualitative study

et al. 2023

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Background Breast milk is crucial for the nutritional and developmental milestones in the first two years of life. Uganda has recognized the need for a human milk bank as an opportunity that offers reliable and healthy milk to babies who lack access to their mothers. However, there is little information on the perceptions towards donated breast milk in Uganda. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of mothers, fathers, and health workers on the use of donated breast milk at Nsambya and Naguru hospitals in Kampala district, central Uganda. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at Nsambya and Naguru hospitals in central Uganda. The study consisted of 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) of 6 participants each and 19 key informant interviews (KIIs) among mothers, fathers, and health workers. Participants were purposively selected. Data collected were transcribed, translated from Luganda to English, and analyzed using thematic analysis. All data were organized and managed in Nvivo version 12.0. Results A total of 67 participants were involved in the study. Two main themes were identified: positive perceptions and negative perceptions. Participants linked donated breast milk to blood transfusion, believed it had nutrients comparable to the biological mother’s milk, and thought it was an opportunity to avoid formula or cow milk and help babies that cannot access breast milk. However, the notable negative perceptions were; the feeling that donated breast milk is disgusting, could result in acquiring non-parental genes and traits, and that it was unsafe. Participants also feared that donated breast milk could be expensive and affect the bond between mother and child. Conclusion In summary, participants had positive perceptions about donated breast milk but were concerned about the potential side effects. Health workers should take extra precautions to ensure that donated breast milk is safe. The development of appropriate information and communication programs to sensitize the public about the benefits of donated breast milk will improve the uptake. Further research should focus on understanding the social-cultural beliefs regarding donated breast milk.

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