In the intricate world of infant nutrition, the use of donor human milk has emerged as a vital resource, particularly for vulnerable populations such as premature infants. However, with the growing popularity of this practice, a myriad of myths and misconceptions has also surfaced. In this blog, we will delve into the common myths surrounding donor human milk, unravel the realities backed by evidence-based information, and highlight the crucial role this resource plays in the health and well-being of infants.
Myth #1: Donor Milk is Inferior to Mother’s Own Milk
Reality: Donor human milk is a valuable alternative when a mother’s own milk is unavailable. Extensive research has shown that donor human milk provides a plethora of benefits, offering optimal nutrition and protection for infants, especially preterm babies. It contains essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors crucial for the development of the infant’s immune and gastrointestinal systems.
Numerous studies, including those published in reputable journals such as the Journal of Pediatrics and the Journal of Human Lactation, have consistently demonstrated the positive impact of donor human milk on the health outcomes of preterm infants. It reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe gastrointestinal disease common in preterm infants, and enhances overall growth and neurodevelopment.
Myth #2: Donor Milk Is Not Safe; It May Transmit Infections
Reality: Rigorous screening and pasteurization processes are in place to ensure the safety of donor human milk. Human milk banks follow strict guidelines recommended by health authorities, such as the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) and the European Milk Bank Association (EMBA).
The pasteurization process eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses while retaining the nutritional and immunological properties of the milk. Numerous studies, including those published in the Journal of Perinatology and Pediatrics, have affirmed the safety of pasteurized donor human milk in preventing infections in vulnerable infants.
Myth #3: Donor Milk is Only for Premature Infants
Reality: While donor human milk is crucial for premature infants, it is not limited to this population. Donor milk is a valuable resource for term infants as well, particularly in situations where a mother’s milk is not available or in cases of maternal illness. The benefits of donor human milk extend beyond prematurity, contributing to the overall health and well-being of infants across various gestational ages.
Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition highlights the positive impact of donor human milk on term infants, including improved growth parameters and a reduced risk of gastrointestinal issues.
Myth #4: Donor Milk Banks Are Not Regulated; They Operate Without Oversight
Reality: Donor milk banks operate under stringent regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of the donated milk. Organizations such as HMBANA and EMBA have established guidelines for the operation of milk banks, including donor screening, collection, storage, and pasteurization processes.
Health regulatory authorities in various countries, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), monitor and regulate human milk banking practices. These regulatory measures are in place to guarantee the highest standards of safety and quality in the provision of donor human milk.
Myth #5: Donor Milk Is Not as Nutrient-Rich as Formula
Reality: Donor human milk is a living substance uniquely tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants. While it may have slight variations in nutrient composition compared to mother’s own milk, these differences do not diminish its nutritional value. Donor milk contains a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that support the growth and development of infants.
Research published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition and the Journal of Perinatology has consistently demonstrated the nutritional adequacy of donor human milk for both premature and term infants. In fact, the bioactive components present in human milk, such as antibodies and enzymes, contribute to its superiority over formula.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
- Donor Milk Banks Are Unregulated
Reality: Donor milk banks adhere to strict regulations and guidelines set by reputable organizations and health authorities, ensuring the safety and quality of the donated milk.
- Donor Milk Is a Last Resort
Reality: Donor milk is a valuable resource for various infant populations, including premature and term infants, providing optimal nutrition and protection when mother’s own milk is unavailable.
- Donor Milk is Inferior to Formula
Reality: Donor human milk offers unique benefits, including bioactive components and protective factors, making it a superior choice over formula in many instances.
- Pasteurization Destroys Nutrients
Reality: Pasteurization is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of donor human milk. Studies consistently show that pasteurization preserves the majority of the milk’s nutritional and immunological properties.
- Donor Milk Does Not Support Growth
Reality: Numerous studies demonstrate that donor human milk supports optimal growth and development in both premature and term infants, debunking the myth that it may be inadequate for infant nutrition.
Conclusion
Donor human milk is a precious resource that plays a pivotal role in supporting the health and well-being of infants, especially those who are most vulnerable. Dispelling the myths surrounding donor human milk is crucial for promoting informed decision-making among parents, healthcare professionals, and the broader community. The evidence-based realities presented here highlight the importance of recognizing donor human milk as a safe, nutritious, and invaluable option in infant feeding, contributing to the overall health and thriving of our youngest members of society.
References
1.Lucas A, Cole TJ. Breast milk and neonatal necrotising enterocolitis. Lancet. 1990;336(8730):1519-1523. doi:10.1016/0140-6736(90)93304-8
2. Capriati T, Goffredo BM, Argentieri M, et al. A Modified Holder Pasteurization Method for Donor Human Milk: Preliminary Data. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1139. Published 2019 May 22. doi:10.3390/nu11051139
3. Perrin MT, Mansen K, Israel-Ballard K, et al. Investigating donor human milk composition globally to develop effective strategies for the nutritional care of preterm infants: Study protocol. PLoS One. 2023;18(4):e0283846. Published 2023 Apr 5. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0283846
4.Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of a Donor Human Milk Bank. [https://www.hmbana.org/guidelines]
5. Peila C, Emmerik NE, Giribaldi M, et al. Human Milk Processing: A Systematic Review of Innovative Techniques to Ensure the Safety and Quality of Donor Milk. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2017;64(3):353-361. doi:10.1097/MPG.0000000000001435
6. Weaver G, Bertino E, Gebauer C, et al. Recommendations for the Establishment and Operation of Human Milk Banks in Europe: A Consensus Statement From the European Milk Bank Association (EMBA). Front Pediatr. 2019;7:53. Published 2019 Mar 4. doi:10.3389/fped.2019.00053
7. World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). Guidelines on Optimal Feeding of Low Birth-Weight Infants in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. [https://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/guidelines-optimal-feeding-preterm-infants/en/]
8. Quigley M, Embleton ND, McGuire W. Formula versus donor breast milk for feeding preterm or low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;7(7):CD002971. Published 2019 Jul 19. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002971.pub5
9. Ewaschuk JB, Unger S, O’Connor DL, et al. Effect of pasteurization on selected immune components of donated human breast milk. J Perinatol. 2011;31(9):593-598. doi:10.1038/jp.2010.209
10. Corpeleijn WE, Kouwenhoven SM, Paap MC, et al. Intake of own mother’s milk during the first days of life is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight infants during the first 60 days of life. Neonatology. 2012;102(4):276-281. doi:10.1159/000341335
