A qualitative study on recognition and attitudes of donated breast milk to parents of premature infants

Abstract

Objective To discuss the premature parents' recognition and level of acceptance of donated breast milk, and to provide the reference to further developing milk banks and increasing breastfeeding rate in premature infants. Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted among 12 parents of premature infants who were admitted to NICU in a specialized hospital in Shanghai from August to December 2017, and the Colaizzi analysis method was used to analyze data. Results The premature parents recognized the meaning of the breast milk bank, but the level of acceptance of donated breast milk was not high for reasons such as lack of knowledge, traditional ideologies and the popularity of formula milk. Conclusions At present, parents of premature infants lack objective recognition of donated breast milk. Hospital and breast milk banks should carry out a series of marketing projects and educate the mass about donated breast milk, in order to improve parents' recognition and acceptance of donated breast milk. Key words: Breast feeding; Donated breast milk; Breast milk bank; Premature infants