Keywords

Breastfeeding, Breast milk, Donor, Human milk, Informal milk sharing, Supplementation

 

Authors

  1. McNally, Deirdre BSN, RN
  2. Spatz, Diane L. PhD, RN-BC, FAAN

Abstract

Abstract: Human milk has repeatedly been shown to be the best form of infant nutrition. Many reasons may prevent a family from providing human milk to their child, leaving them to seek other options. One alternative is informal milk sharing, where individuals and families find donor milk through online communities. We present perspectives from three mothers who used informal milk sharing for at least 6 months. Common themes identified are sadness, guilt, and stigmatization of informal milk sharing. Implications for practice include providing families and practitioners with resources for learning about informal milk sharing and navigating the community safely.