OptiMom Nutrition: A Phenomenological Study on Filipina Breast Milk Donors

Abstract

Breast milk donation is another method which let infants acquire optimum nutrition despite of unavailability of breast milk from their biological mother. The donors have various motivation such as sense of personal achievement, material benefits and health benefits for baby and mommy when donating. The nature of the donors showed the lack of knowledge about Human Milk Banks, access to information from experts and the internet, awareness on the circumstances of the recipients and fellow donors and importance of a supportive environment. More so, in order to have better access on breast milk donation, accessibility to equipment and donation tool kit is necessary, as well as minimized conflict between responsibilities as a mother and as an employee, easier transportation/delivery of breast milk, and lastly, inclusive programs catering all mothers concerns. Moreover, participation of mothers from different socioeconomic statuses and knowing their experiences will help on establishment of a more inclusive programs for them. These encourages the lactating mothers to proceed with breast milk donation. By continuing breast milk donation and increasing the population of donors, the problem in malnutrition can be alleviated and more babies will receive right amount of nutrition necessary for their development.