Journal of Human Lactation

Donor human milk is essential for supporting the health and survival of preterm and medically fragile infants. However, limited awareness, religious sensitivities, and sociocultural barriers mean that many countries, including Malaysia, face persistent challenges in encouraging public participation in formal human milk donation. In contrast, milk-sharing facilitated through online breastfeeding communities has gained considerable attention among Malaysian mothers. Understanding this practice could offer insights into community-based engagement, cultural negotiation, and religiously compliant human milk-donation initiatives.

This article draws on lessons related to milk-sharing and translates them into actionable recommendations for policymakers and healthcare professionals.

A qualitative descriptive design was employed, incorporating content analysis of online breastfeeding community posts and in-depth semi-structured interviews with Malaysian mothers involved in informal milk sharing.

Strategies include partnering with online breastfeeding communities, co-designing religiously sensitive outreach materials, developing digital tool kits, and fostering inclusive, culturally respectful donor recruitment models.

Human milk donation efforts can become better aligned by utilising breastfeeding communities and digital networking.

The study aims to ascertain the views of relevant stakeholders regarding the facilitators and barriers to establishing human milk banks in Türkiye and to identify policy requirements for social acceptance.

A qualitative approach was employed, using in-depth interviews with 22 experts in maternal and child health, including physicians, midwives, nurses, and health managers. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework.

Four central themes and twelve categories emerged: (1) the multifaceted value of human milk, (2) perceptions toward human milk donation, (3) social and institutional barriers, and (4) perspectives on current human milk feeding policies. Key findings highlight that while the biological importance of milk is universally recognized, donation is hindered by “milk kinship” concerns and legal ambiguities. However, the integration of donation data into the national e-Nabız electronic health record system and alignment with religious foundations (e.g., Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 233) were identified as critical policy facilitators.

Stakeholders emphasize that human milk banking is a viable model for Türkiye if implemented through a framework that resolves legal-religious contradictions. Success depends on extending maternity leaves to support breastfeeding rights and establishing a formal dialogue with religious authorities. These findings provide a strategic roadmap for policymakers to integrate human milk banking into public health policy as a sustainable and socially acceptable service.

Most research on human milk donation and human milk banking has focused on mothers, while fathers’ perspectives remain insufficiently explored. Although mothers may be willing to donate milk or use donor milk for their own infants, these decisions are often shaped by their spouses’ viewpoints. This study aimed to explore fathers’ views on human milk donation and human milk banking.

This qualitative study used an inductive thematic analysis approach. Data were collected between August and December 2024 through semi-structured interviews with 20 fathers who brought their infants for routine checkups at a state hospital in Türkiye via semi-structured interviews and a descriptive form. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. MAXQDA software was used during the analysis process.

Five main themes with 10 subthemes were identified. Fathers’ perspectives reflected a balance between perceived benefits of donor human milk for infants in need and concerns related to religious beliefs, milk kinship, hygiene, and trust. Acceptance of donor milk use for their own infants was conditional and depended on hygienic handling, professional supervision, and transparency regarding donor information. Fathers expressed divided opinions about allowing their wives to donate milk, and views on establishing human milk banks in Türkiye ranged from acceptance to conditional acceptance or rejection.

Fathers’ perspectives on human milk donation and milk banking are shaped by the interplay between infant benefits and religious, cultural, and hygiene concerns. Spouses’ attitudes and approval regarding milk donation are important family factors influencing decisions about human milk donation.

Breastfeeding is a global priority. To provide culturally appropriate evidence-based lactation support, healthcare professionals need training. Different levels of training are available post registration; however, the impact of in-depth breastfeeding training, such as that leading to the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant certification, has not been studied.

To expand understanding of how in-depth training can assist healthcare professionals in gaining knowledge and skills, and improve breastfeeding related outcomes.

A systematic review following PRISMA and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines was conducted. Six electronic databases were searched between 2023 and 2024 and updated in August 2025. Studies were eligible for inclusion if participants where healthcare professionals, and the training was post-registration lasting longer than 20 hours and examined the impact on outcomes such as breastfeeding knowledge and skills, breastfeeding rates, hospital practices, healthcare professionals’ experiences, motivation, and learning needs, and women's experiences of support from healthcare professionals who had undertaken in-depth training. Study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two reviewers. Findings were synthesised narratively.

Three quantitative studies were included. All showed improved knowledge and skills following in-depth training. One study reported an increase in breastfeeding rates and another identified learning needs. No other outcomes were addressed. All studies had methodological limitations.

The evidence-base for the provision and impact of in-depth breastfeeding trainings is extremely limited. Given that breastfeeding and lactation support is a public health imperative, this knowledge gap sets a priority for future research, including trainings leading to the IBCLC qualification.

According to self-determination theory, when an individual’s psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are satisfied, human flourishing can occur. The simultaneous satisfaction of the three needs has not yet been examined in the context of lactation and offers a potential explanation for variations in breastfeeding outcomes and well-being among lactating individuals.

To develop and preliminarily validate an instrument measuring lactation-related psychological need satisfaction.

Initial items for the Lactation Psychological Needs Scale were developed based on a literature review, and refined based on content validity testing. An online cross-sectional survey was administered in two phases to lactating individuals in the United States (n = 634) to assess validity and reliability.

Exploratory (n = 388) and confirmatory factor analyses (n = 246) in separate samples yielded a three-factor solution with excellent goodness-of-fit (chi-square Bollen-Stine adjusted p = 0.05, root mean square error of approximate: ≤ 0.06, comparative fit index > 0.95, and Tucker-Lewis Index > 0.95). The new instrument includes 12 items on three subscales: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable for the full scale (0.856) and subscales (0.790–0.861). The full instrument scores and subscale scores were positively correlated with maternal satisfaction with lactation, and negatively correlated with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores.

The results of this study provide preliminary psychometric support for the novel instrument. Self-determination theory provides an opportunity for a new paradigm in understanding behavior and well-being among lactating individuals. Further validation of the instrument is required.

Human milk is the optimal infant nutrition, but emergencies can disrupt breastfeeding. When maternal breastfeeding is compromised, informal human milk-sharing offers a solution. This practice has expanded due to increased awareness of human milk benefits, formal limitations of milk banks, and facilitation through digital platforms. Social media enables rapid network coordination. However, informal milk-sharing faces policy gaps. Research on milk-sharing dynamics during acute armed conflict, particularly when formal institutional resources are constrained, remains limited.

This study addresses the research gap by examining how grassroots digital networks facilitate emergency milk-sharing during armed conflict.

This qualitative case study examined communication, coordination, and support patterns within three Israeli Facebook groups related to milk-sharing during the October 2023 armed conflict. Data included all relevant original posts and associated interactions from 1 month before to 1 month after conflict onset. Analysis involved comparative temporal assessment and reflective thematic analysis.

Analysis revealed nearly double the posting activity post-conflict. Two primary themes emerged: (1) Recipients’ Needs (general necessities, milk-sharing requests, information sharing) and (2) Donor Motivation (non-war-related, war-related, active promotion, logistical support). Findings highlighted unique demands for milk due to maternal injury or absence, alongside robust community-led efforts.

This study highlights the vital role of social media-based milk-sharing networks in ensuring infant nutrition security during armed conflict. It shows a sophisticated, adaptable community response utilizing digital platforms for comprehensive support. Findings expand Social Support Theory, emphasizing the need to incorporate such grassroots digital solutions into emergency plans while addressing safety concerns.

The prescription of infant formula during postpartum hospitalization is one of several factors that influence breastfeeding.

To analyze the prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge in Uruguay, a Latin American country, and to identify the predictors of non-exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge.

This cross-sectional study draws on data from all births between 2008 and 2020 registered in the Uruguayan perinatal information system. XGBoost, a machine-learning algorithm, was used to identify the predictors of infant formula at hospital discharge. A binary variable indicating non-exclusive breastfeeding (1 = yes, 0 = no) was used as dependent variable, and another 35 variables were used as predictors, including mother, child, and hospital characteristics.

The prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge descriptively increased in the period, from 7.0% in 2008 to 27.9% in 2020. The model had a moderately adequate prediction performance (ROC AUC = .781, 95% CI [.778, .785], Brier score = .188, 95% CI [.187, .189], PR AUC = .424, 95% CI [.187, .431]). Hospital type was the most important variable in predicting non-exclusive breastfeeding, followed by birth weight and type of birth. Predicted probability of non-exclusive breastfeeding was highest in public hospitals in the capital (Montevideo), for infants with birth weight lower than 3000 g and higher than 3900 g and born through Cesarean delivery.

Results suggest the need to address the structural and procedural factors that may contribute to the prescription of infant formula to improve breastfeeding practices in the country. Additional studies are needed to identify the specific maternity practices that promote the prescription of infant formula at hospital discharge.

Racial disparities in breastfeeding persist, with Black mothers experiencing significantly lower exclusive breastfeeding rates compared with White mothers. Limited research has examined how institutional bias and discrimination within birthing centers affect breastfeeding decisions, creating a gap in understanding the role of these environments in perpetuating lactation inequities.

A basic qualitative study guided by the social ecological model explored how perceived racism and discrimination in birthing centers shape exclusive breastfeeding initiation and duration among Black mothers. Ten participants were recruited through purposive sampling and completed semistructured virtual interviews. Data were coded inductively using ATLAS.ti 9 and verified through analyst triangulation and Krippendorff’s α to ensure reliability.

Four interconnected themes emerged: (1) individual level—birth trauma and pain dismissal reduced confidence in breastfeeding; (2) interpersonal level—racialized communication barriers and lack of lactation support undermined trust; (3) community level—formula-first norms and underrepresentation of Black lactation professionals limited culturally relevant care; and (4) institutional level—rigid policies and privacy violations reinforced inequitable treatment.

Perceived racism and discrimination in birthing centers negatively influence Black mothers’ breastfeeding experiences and outcomes. Equity-driven organizational reforms, anti-racist training, and diversification of the lactation workforce are essential to promote breastfeeding equity and improve maternal-infant health.

Pasteurised donor milk in the United Kingdom (U.K.) contains low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are essential for brain, eye development, and immune system function. Maternal diet influences human milk nutritional profile; however, it is known that milk banks in the U.K. do not provide specific dietary information to donors.

The principal research objectives were to identify milk donation patterns, dietary habits and omega-3 PUFA intakes of milk donors in the U.K. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the donors’ attitudes towards receiving nutritional guidelines and taking dietary supplements.

From November 2024 until June 2025, we conducted a semi-structured online survey of milk donors from five representative milk banks across the U.K. Data are presented with median, interquartile range (IQR), minimum and maximum values for demographics; numbers of responses and percentages for donation and dietary patterns; mean and standard deviation values for PUFA intake.

Out of 55 respondents, 80% completed all survey questions (n = 45). The answers identified low dietary intake levels in omega-3 PUFAs. Responses to supplement use questions highlighted lack of awareness of the type of supplement to choose and intake recommendations. Additionally, while 87% (n = 39) of the donors participating in the survey confirmed they had not received nutritional advice, they expressed strong interest in structured guidance, preferably digital. However, concerns around dietary restrictions increasing donors’ stress suggest the need for supportive, non-judgmental education.

Our findings emphasise the importance of developing nutritional information resources for milk donors in the U.K.

Breastfeeding is a key strategy for improving maternal and infant health; however, Thailand continues to fall short of national and international breastfeeding targets. Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) play an essential role in community-based breastfeeding support, yet many lack structured training.

This study examined the effectiveness of a participatory learning capacity-building program on breastfeeding knowledge, perception, and skills among female VHVs in Thailand.

A quasi-experimental two-group, pretest–posttest design was implemented with 80 VHVs from Phra Ajarn Subdistrict, Ongkharak District. The experimental group received a participatory breastfeeding program consisting of experiential training, collaborative home visits, and follow-up evaluation. A validated assessment instrument measured breastfeeding knowledge, perception, and skills. Statistical analyses included paired-samples and independent-samples t-tests (α = .05).

VHVs in the experimental group showed significant improvements in breastfeeding knowledge (M_pre = 7.48; M_post = 8.88; p < .001) and skills (M_pre = 7.98; M_post = 9.28; p < .001). Perceptions toward breastfeeding showed no significant change (p = .19). Post-intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher knowledge (p = .05) and skills (p < .001) than controls, with no group difference in perception (p = .17).

Participatory learning enhanced VHVs’ breastfeeding knowledge and practical skills, supporting its use in community-level maternal–child health promotion. However, perceptions remained unchanged, suggesting that attitudinal shifts may require longer-term or culturally integrated strategies.

Delayed secretory activation can negatively impact maternal and child health through increasing the risk of early cessation of breastfeeding. Early cessation of breastfeeding is known to be associated with increased health risks.

To determine the occurrence of, and risk factors associated with, delayed secretory activation in nulliparous women in Western Australia.

This analysis used a subset of participants (n = 183) enrolled in a multicentre trial. Nulliparous low-risk pregnant women were enrolled between 28–32 weeks’ gestation and followed until 1 week after birth. The association between self-reported delayed secretory activation status (onset 4 days or more postpartum) and potential risk factors across the following five dimensions was examined: maternal demographics and health behaviours during pregnancy; maternal anthropometry; obstetric and birth outcomes; newborn characteristics; and infant feeding. Any variables that demonstrated significance (p ≤ 0.10) were entered into binary logistic regression models to quantify their association with delayed secretory activation and adjusted for known confounders.

The rate of delayed secretory activation was 43.2% (n = 79) and was significantly associated with body mass index (BMI) category 25 kg to <30 kg/m²: OR 2.83 (95% CI 1.39, 5.77), BMI ≥30 kg/m²: OR 2.51 (95% CI 1.13, 5.55), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): OR (5.06; 95% CI 1.28, 20.08) in bivariate analysis and in the adjusted multivariable model. Among mothers with GDM, 78.6% experienced delayed secretory activation, compared to 21.4% of mothers who did not have GDM.

Nulliparous women, particularly those with GDM, should be supported to initiate early, frequent, and optimal breast stimulation to exclusively breastfeed.

Mothers with flat or inverted nipples may have inadequate nipple protrusion, leading to infant latch difficulties and breastfeeding challenges. Although several approaches exist, their effectiveness varies.

This randomized controlled study evaluated the effect of a newly developed Device for Flat or Inverted nipples (DFIN) on nipple length, the time for the infant to achieve latch, the duration of a single breastfeeding session, exclusive breastfeeding rates, and scores on the LATCH Assessment Tool.

The study included 63 mother–infant pairs (DFIN group: n = 31; injector group: n = 32). The DFIN was applied in the experimental group, and the modified injector technique was applied in the control group. Measurements included nipple length, time taken to achieve latch, duration of a single breastfeeding session, and LATCH scores. Exclusive breastfeeding rates were monitored at birth and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months postpartum.

Nipple length increased by 3.58 ± 2.06 millimeters in the DFIN group and 1.64 ± 1.17 millimeters in the injector group. The time taken to achieve latch decreased significantly in the DFIN group. LATCH scores increased by 2.10 ± 3.00 in the DFIN group, whereas they decreased by 1.38 ± 4.72 in the injector group. Exclusive breastfeeding rates were consistently higher in the DFIN group at birth and the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th months postpartum (p < 0.05).

The findings indicate that the DFIN improves nipple protrusion, shortens latch achievement time, enhances breastfeeding effectiveness, and supports sustained exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months postpartum.

Climate change is a global issue that poses potential risks to breastfeeding practices and outcomes. Therefore, it is important for breastfeeding mothers to understand the changes caused by climate change and what they mean.

This study aimed to examine in depth the effects of climate change on breastfeeding mothers’ experiences and to explore their perspectives on how environmental changes are reflected in their breastfeeding processes.

This study used a qualitative descriptive design and an inductive approach. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached, and 19 breastfeeding mothers living in Türkiye completed the study. The interviews were conducted via telephone. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Through the thematic analysis of the interviews, four main themes and 14 subthemes were identified. The themes were: 1) impacts of climate crisis, 2) breastfeeding negatively affected by climate crisis, 3) increasing breastfeeding to mitigate the effects of climate crisis, and 4) coping with climate crisis.

Our study found that climate change and related events affect mothers’ breastfeeding experiences and cause them to worry about long-term negative health outcomes such as food insecurity and economic and psychological problems. In line with the goals of combating climate change and reducing resource consumption, breastfeeding promotion should be strengthened through policy development and awareness-raising strategies.

Community pharmacists have the potential to provide adherence-support interventions, address adverse effects, and optimize health outcomes in vulnerable patient populations such as breastfeeding women who need rational antimicrobial therapy.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the influence of community pharmacists’ adherence support interventions on outcomes of antimicrobial therapy use and breastfeeding continuation in breastfeeding women.

A prospective interventional before–after study was conducted in community pharmacies in Serbia (May–October 2022) within the Mama Friendly Pharmacy project. Breastfeeding women (N = 182) receiving antimicrobial therapy completed validated questionnaires and received pharmacist-led counseling, including risk assessment using specialized databases. A follow-up assessment included evaluated adherence, breastfeeding continuation, infant safety, and factors associated with intervention outcomes. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 24).

The results indicate that 84.71% of participants who believed that medications should be avoided during breastfeeding—regardless of clinical indication—expressed concerns about using the prescribed antimicrobial agent. Likewise, 58.76% of participants who generally held a positive attitude toward medication use during breastfeeding also reported uncertainty regarding antimicrobial therapy. Overall, 95.2% of participants accepted the recommended therapy and monitoring advice. Follow-up was completed by 80.8%, with positive outcomes and only 14 minor infant adverse effects reported, none requiring medical intervention. Logistic regression identified maternal age as the only significant predictor of follow-up participation.

By improving both therapy acceptance and duration and supporting informed decision-making regarding breastfeeding, community pharmacists play a critical role in resolving uncertainties, preventing interruption of breastfeeding, and helping address antimicrobial resistance.

The postpartum period can involve maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviors, which may reduce confidence in breastfeeding. This study aimed to examine associations between breastfeeding self-efficacy, maternal stress, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors in postpartum mothers.

A total of 303 mothers, 1 and 6 months postpartum, attending Family Health Centers in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey, participated in the study.

This cross-sectional descriptive study collected data using a personal information form, the Postnatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, the Postpartum Stressors Scale, and the Obsessive and Compulsive Behaviors Scale related to infant care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analyses.

Mothers demonstrated high breastfeeding self-efficacy (55.9 ± 10.9), moderate maternal stress (19.3 ± 5.2), and low levels of obsessive-compulsive behaviors (23.9 ± 8.3). Breastfeeding self-efficacy was negatively correlated with maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviors (p < .05). Linear regression analysis indicated that maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviors were significant negative predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy, explaining 14% of the variance (F = 25.867, p < .001). No significant relationship was found between maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviors (p < .05).

The findings indicate that maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviors related to infant care are important factors negatively influencing breastfeeding self-efficacy, whereas maternal stress levels were not significantly associated with obsessive-compulsive behaviors. These results emphasize the need to address maternal psychological well-being in postpartum care. It is recommended that midwifery care incorporate early screening for maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, along with individualized education and psychosocial support programs, to enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy.

Breastfeeding is associated with infant health benefits, such as a reduced risk of infections, obesity, and diabetes, and offers protection against breast and ovarian cancer in mothers. However, its possible relationship with dental caries and malocclusions has recently been suggested.

The present umbrella review assessed the relationship between breastfeeding and oral health.

This umbrella review evaluated the relationship between breastfeeding and oral health in individuals under 18 years of age by systematically reviewing studies available in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and others. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.

Eighteen reviews on caries, malocclusions, bone mass, muscle function, and cleft lip/palate were analyzed. Breastfeeding was found to be a protective factor against dental caries (OR 0.71), with duration having no significant effect. A lower prevalence of open bite (OR 0.67) and posterior crossbite (OR 0.68) was also observed. Breastfeeding for ≥ 6 months was protective against overjet, dental crowding, and Class II malocclusion. However, it was associated with an increased risk of overbite (OR 1.95). Narrative analysis showed benefits of breastfeeding for muscular and craniofacial development, and it was considered safe in children with post-surgical cleft lip/palate.

Breastfeeding has positive effects on multiple aspects of children's oral health, reinforcing its importance for both oral and systemic health, thanks to its nutritional, mechanical and immunological benefits.

Breastfeeding mindfulness—defined as a mother’s present-moment awareness, emotional attunement, and focused attention during breastfeeding—is an emerging concept with significant implications for lactation outcomes. While mindfulness and breastfeeding self-efficacy are recognized determinants of breastfeeding success, evidence regarding their relationship remains limited, particularly within the Turkish context. This study examined the association between maternal mindfulness during breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy.

A descriptive and analytic cross-sectional study was conducted with 268 breastfeeding mothers who gave birth between July 2024 and February 2025 at a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a personal information form, the Mindfulness in Breastfeeding Scale, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics 22.0. Due to nonnormal data distribution, nonparametric tests and correlation analyses were employed.

The mean score for the Mindfulness in Breastfeeding Scale was 36.49 ± 4.56, and the mean score for the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale was 53.19 ± 8.68. A significant positive correlation was observed between mindfulness in breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.365, p < 0.001).

Higher maternal mindfulness during breastfeeding is associated with increased breastfeeding self-efficacy. These findings suggest that integrating mindfulness-based strategies into prenatal and postpartum nursing interventions can enhance maternal emotional well-being and promote more effective breastfeeding. Consequently, incorporating mindful breastfeeding concepts into childbirth preparation and counseling programs is essential to equip mothers with these skills and support positive breastfeeding outcomes.

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, providing complete nourishment while supporting growth, cognitive development, and immune protection.

This study investigated the experiences of primiparous Omani mothers who practiced EBF to understand the challenges and support needs influencing their practices.

A qualitative grounded theory approach was used. A total of 35 primiparous mothers were recruited from postnatal clinics through purposive and theoretical sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Three categories emerged—anticipating breastfeeding, navigating support systems, and encountering challenges—which led to the development of the grounded “Shifting Away from Expectations. Mothers began with optimism, viewing breastfeeding as natural and manageable. However, difficulties with positioning, pain, perceived low milk supply, inconsistent professional support, and limited family assistance beyond 6 weeks contributed to early discontinuation. All participants ceased EBF before 4 months postpartum.

First-time mothers’ expectations of breastfeeding as instinctive were challenged by unanticipated barriers and insufficient support. Findings highlight the need for culturally tailored education, consistent professional involvement, and extended family and workplace support to help women sustain EBF for the recommended 6 months.

Breast milk is the gold standard of infant nutrition, providing powerful nutritional and immunological protection and decreased mortality due to infection. The World Health Organization recommends using human breast milk from a milk bank if the mother is unable to provide for her own child.

To determine the knowledge and acceptance of donor human milk use among women attending the Haydom Lutheran Hospital in Tanzania.

An analytical cross-sectional study collected data at the Reproductive and Child Health Care, Neonatal Care units and postnatal ward at Haydom Lutheran Hospital. A total of 260 mothers aged ≥ 18 were included in the study.

In all, 86% of participants were unaware of human milk banks, 75% had limited knowledge of them, and 67% were willing to donate milk. Fear of having insufficient milk for their infants was the main reason for not donating. A total of 61% would use donated milk. Infectious diseases were the main reason for not using donated milk. In all, 89% who agreed to use donated milk were willing to donate and 67% of those who opposed using donated milk were unwilling to donate. Level of education was associated with willingness to donate (AOR 4.79, 95% CI [1.3, 17.6], p = 0.018) and receive donated breast milk (AOR 6.01. 95% CI [1.6, 23.2], p < 0.01).

We found high potential acceptability for donating and using human donor milk for infants, with the only association being the level of education. However, further engagement is needed to foster awareness of its importance for communities while addressing cultural, religious, and health concerns.