Background: Breast milk banks (BMBs) provide human donor breast milk to preterm infants when mothers are not able to provide breast milk themselves (Arslanoglu et al., 2010:20). Breastfeeding is the single most effective intervention to saving the lives of millions of children in developing countries (Bhutta & Labbok, 2011:378-380). BMBs form an integral part of the millennium development goals (MDGs) (Dempsey & Miletin, 2010:2) on reducing infant mortality and morbidity and are being implemented all over the world (Hartmann et al., 2007:667, Arslanoglu et al., 2010:20, Eidelman & Schanler 2012:827). Problem statement: BMBs can be established more effectively with an implementation tool in place. Currently, there is no tool available to guide the implementation of a BMB in South Africa; the only guidelines that could be found are those describing the operation of BMBs in other countries. Some of the BMBs already established in South Africa were implemented with the help of the South African Breast Milk Bank Reserve (SABR), but without a formalised guideline to provide implementation guidance. Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to adapt a current Kangaroo mother care (KMC) progress-monitoring tool and to adjust it according to the BMB setting in South Africa in order to provide a final suggested implementation tool for the implementation of BMBs. Method: An explorative, descriptive design with multiple phases was used. Different data sets were audited; including patient files, written reports, working files, research articles and policies. Observations were also made with regards to available equipment and designated BMB space. During phase one, a critical analysis was performed on research articles and websites regarding BMBs. The qualitative data was analysed by using content analysis. This information was adapted and contextualised in phase two. This phase entailed applying the adapted tool to the BMB setting of the selected regional hospital, which then led to phase three, in which the audited data was incorporated into the final suggested implementation tool resulting from this study. Results: The suggested tool, the North West Province BMB implementation tool, shared the six main constructs with the KMC progress-monitoring tool. The constructs are creating awareness, adopting the concept, taking ownership, evidence of practice, evidence of routine and integration and sustainable practice. However, some of the progress markers and instrument items were specifically relevant to the KMC setting and others to the BMB setting. On the other hand, some constructs overlapped, being relevant to both settings: for instance awareness by management, conscious decision to implement, mobilisation of resources (human, space and equipment), information about mothers’ other resources such as budget, patient records, staff orientation, evidence of discharge, policies and other written documents, and 1-2 year audit evidence and staff development. Conclusion: Adapting the KMC progress-monitoring tool led to the development of a suitable tool to guide BMB implementation. The tool is called the North West Province BMB implementation tool. This tool could be used to guide the implementation of a BMB in other hospitals in South Africa. / M (Dietetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Background: Breast milk banks (BMBs) provide human donor breast milk to preterm infants when mothers are not able to provide breast milk themselves (Arslanoglu et al., 2010:20). Breastfeeding is the single most effective intervention to saving the lives of millions of children in developing countries (Bhutta & Labbok, 2011:378-380). BMBs form an integral part of the millennium development goals (MDGs) (Dempsey & Miletin, 2010:2) on reducing infant mortality and morbidity and are being implemented all over the world (Hartmann et al., 2007:667, Arslanoglu et al., 2010:20, Eidelman & Schanler 2012:827). Problem statement: BMBs can be established more effectively with an implementation tool in place. Currently, there is no tool available to guide the implementation of a BMB in South Africa; the only guidelines that could be found are those describing the operation of BMBs in other countries. Some of the BMBs already established in South Africa were implemented with the help of the South African Breast Milk Bank Reserve (SABR), but without a formalised guideline to provide implementation guidance. Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to adapt a current Kangaroo mother care (KMC) progress-monitoring tool and to adjust it according to the BMB setting in South Africa in order to provide a final suggested implementation tool for the implementation of BMBs. Method: An explorative, descriptive design with multiple phases was used. Different data sets were audited; including patient files, written reports, working files, research articles and policies. Observations were also made with regards to available equipment and designated BMB space. During phase one, a critical analysis was performed on research articles and websites regarding BMBs. The qualitative data was analysed by using content analysis. This information was adapted and contextualised in phase two. This phase entailed applying the adapted tool to the BMB setting of the selected regional hospital, which then led to phase three, in which the audited data was incorporated into the final suggested implementation tool resulting from this study. Results: The suggested tool, the North West Province BMB implementation tool, shared the six main constructs with the KMC progress-monitoring tool. The constructs are creating awareness, adopting the concept, taking ownership, evidence of practice, evidence of routine and integration and sustainable practice. However, some of the progress markers and instrument items were specifically relevant to the KMC setting and others to the BMB setting. On the other hand, some constructs overlapped, being relevant to both settings: for instance awareness by management, conscious decision to implement, mobilisation of resources (human, space and equipment), information about mothers’ other resources such as budget, patient records, staff orientation, evidence of discharge, policies and other written documents, and 1-2 year audit evidence and staff development. Conclusion: Adapting the KMC progress-monitoring tool led to the development of a suitable tool to guide BMB implementation. The tool is called the North West Province BMB implementation tool. This tool could be used to guide the implementation of a BMB in other hospitals in South Africa. / M (Dietetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Yes / Donated Human Milk Banking is a trending topic in healthcare management and has potential for business development opportunities at hospitals and independent organisations in developing countries. A preliminary definition of a Human Milk Bank “is a service established to recruit breast milk donors, collect donated milk, and then process, screen, store, and distribute the milk to meet infants’ specific needs for optimal health. Although there are indications about the beginning of such practices date back to the 2001’s, private sector human milk banking has gained momentum in terms of popularity and acceptability. There is evidence of the presence of human milk banks in the USA during the 1990’s, which potential was affected by the development of specialty formulas, safety issues linked with viral transmission, and lack of credible clinical research in this area. However, recent developments in clinical studies, government cooperation with medical research centres and health authorities have shown considerable improvement in the public view of Human Milk Bank’s creating a positive climate for private sector provision.

Background Benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers are well recognized. South Africa has a very low breastfeeding rate. Strategies to improve and promote exclusive breastfeeding rates include implementation of human milk banks (HMB). The North West Province started its first HMB in 2012 and the success and sustainability will depend on numerous factors, including identification of possible barriers to donation or receiving donor human milk. In support of such an intervention, the attitudes of each relevant stakeholders, mothers, community members and health care providers on acceptability of donating and receiving donated breastmilk is therefore important for the success of such an intervention Objectives The objective of this dissertation was determining the attitudes on acceptability regarding the donation and receiving of human breast milk for key stakeholders, namely mothers, healthcare workers and the elderly representing grandmothers. Methods This study was conducted at a public hospital and nearby clinics in North West province, South Africa using qualitative research methodology of focus group discussions (FGDs) for data collection. Eight focus groups discussed the attitudes, 3 of mothers of 0 to 12 month old infants (n=13), 3 of elderly participants older than 60 years (n=17) and 2 of healthcare professionals, working with infants younger than 1 year (n=11). Results Important attitudes on acceptability of receiving and donating human donor milk were identified from the literature and this research project. Stakeholders had safety and cultural concerns regarding donation and receiving of donated human milk. Participants also indicated the need for education that may improve the attitudes. These findings may inform future policy planning and HMB promotion in communities. The identified attitudes reflected barriers to exclusive breast feeding, donating and receiving breast milk. These included, the need for HIV screening; cultural beliefs relating to transfer of personality traits and bonding and fears of not having enough milk for their own infants; perceived changes in quality of donated milk during pasteurisation and transportation as well as HIV transmission. Conclusion The study identified important attitudes that may be possible barriers and fears to accepting or donating human breast milk. Some of the identified attitudes could also limit exclusive breast feeding. Further research is recommended to determine how prevalent the identified attitudes are in this and similar community settings. / MSc (Dietetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Background Benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers are well recognized. South Africa has a very low breastfeeding rate. Strategies to improve and promote exclusive breastfeeding rates include implementation of human milk banks (HMB). The North West Province started its first HMB in 2012 and the success and sustainability will depend on numerous factors, including identification of possible barriers to donation or receiving donor human milk. In support of such an intervention, the attitudes of each relevant stakeholders, mothers, community members and health care providers on acceptability of donating and receiving donated breastmilk is therefore important for the success of such an intervention Objectives The objective of this dissertation was determining the attitudes on acceptability regarding the donation and receiving of human breast milk for key stakeholders, namely mothers, healthcare workers and the elderly representing grandmothers. Methods This study was conducted at a public hospital and nearby clinics in North West province, South Africa using qualitative research methodology of focus group discussions (FGDs) for data collection. Eight focus groups discussed the attitudes, 3 of mothers of 0 to 12 month old infants (n=13), 3 of elderly participants older than 60 years (n=17) and 2 of healthcare professionals, working with infants younger than 1 year (n=11). Results Important attitudes on acceptability of receiving and donating human donor milk were identified from the literature and this research project. Stakeholders had safety and cultural concerns regarding donation and receiving of donated human milk. Participants also indicated the need for education that may improve the attitudes. These findings may inform future policy planning and HMB promotion in communities. The identified attitudes reflected barriers to exclusive breast feeding, donating and receiving breast milk. These included, the need for HIV screening; cultural beliefs relating to transfer of personality traits and bonding and fears of not having enough milk for their own infants; perceived changes in quality of donated milk during pasteurisation and transportation as well as HIV transmission. Conclusion The study identified important attitudes that may be possible barriers and fears to accepting or donating human breast milk. Some of the identified attitudes could also limit exclusive breast feeding. Further research is recommended to determine how prevalent the identified attitudes are in this and similar community settings. / MSc (Dietetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

O leite humano pasteurizado vem sendo apresentado como a alternativa mais eficaz para alimentar prematuros e também recém-nascidos cujas mães estejam com alguma dificuldade para amamentar. Para suprir essa demanda, aumentou significativamente a implantação de bancos de leite humano no Brasil e no mundo. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer as representações sociais sobre a doação de leite entre mulheres colaboradoras do banco de leite humano em um hospital universitário público. Os referenciais teórico e metodológico utilizados foram, respectivamente, a Teoria das Representações Sociais e a Análise de Conteúdo. Para os dados quantitativos, foi utilizada a análise estatística descritiva. Foram entrevistadas 30 mulheres cadastradas como doadoras no Banco de Leite Humano do Hospital Universitário de Londrina, no Paraná. A idade variou de 18 a 44 anos, a maioria teve seus filhos por cesariana, 96,7% estavam com o companheiro, 86,7% possuíam curso superior completo ou pós-graduação, 76,7% exerciam trabalho remunerado fora de casa, o maior volume de leite doado foi 88 litros, o tempo médio de doação foi 155 dias e o tempo médio de aleitamento materno foi de 371 dias. Das falas dessas mulheres emergiram quatro temas com suas respectivas categorias: A experiência de amamentar; O banco de leite humano: lugar de acolhimento e aprendizagem; A doação dá trabalho e exige compromisso e Ser doadora é compartilhar o que tem e ajudar a quem precisa. A gênese para uma mulher se tornar doadora é estar amamentando seu filho e esse processo, proveniente da sua vivência familiar, apresenta-se como tendo um lado bom e outro que exige desafios, mas ela percebe que seu leite é único, que sua produção é mais do que suficiente para seu filho, levando essa mulher a procurar o banco de leite para compartilhar esse alimento com outras crianças. O banco de leite se torna para ela um local de acolhimento, apoio e aprendizado e ela se torna divulgadora desse serviço. Também passa a conhecer as histórias de doação e constata que doar seu leite dá trabalho, mas o compromisso assumido supera tal dificuldade; o apoio da família é essencial e ela descobre a sua maneira de ordenhar esse leite. Expressa que sente muito orgulho por ser uma doadora e, ao se perceber nessa condição, as suas representações sociais vinculam-se à construção social da solidariedade e de um sentimento mais profundo do significado da maternidade, que lhes propicia o sentimento de ampliar, para além de seu filho, o sentir ser mãe de muitos, em que compartilhar o que tem e ajudar a quem precisa resulta na sensação de ver mulptiplicado o papel materno e conhcer que doar vale a pena. Os elementos aqui identificados oferecem subsídios importantes para a condução de campanhas e projetos de melhoria de adesão de doadoras nos trabalhos dos Bancos de Leite Humano. / Pasteurized human milk has presented itself as the most effective alternative to feed preterm babies as well as newborns whose mothers are having some difficulty to breastfeed. In order to supply this demand, the number of human milk banks has significantly increased worldwide and in Brazil as well. The aim of this study was to acknowledge the social representation of human milk donation among women who donated to a human milk bank from a public hospital. The Social Representation Theory and Content Analysis were used as theoretical and methodological approaches, respectively. Quantitative data was assessed using descriptive statistical analysis. Thirty women were interviewed, all were donors at the Human Milk Bank from Londrina´s University Hospital, in Paraná State. Their age ranged from 18 to 44 years old, most had caesarean-sections, 96.7% had a companion; 86.7% had higher education or were postgraduates; 76.7% had a paid job; the biggest amount of donated milk was 88 liters; average donation period was 155 days; and average breastfeeding period was 371 days. Four themes and categories emerged from the women´s speeches: The breastfeeding experience; The human milk bank: a welcoming and learning place; Donating is hard-working and demands commitment; and Being a donor is sharing what I have and helping with others need. What motivates a woman to become a human milk donor involves the experience of breastfeeding her baby, which presents itself as a positive attitude, however posing some challenges. She realizes that her milk is unique, that she produces more than her baby can take, so she goes to the milk bank to share this nourishment with other children. The human milk bank becomes a welcoming, supportive and learning place for her, who spreads the word about this service/facility. These women also become aware of donation stories and comprehends that donating their milk is hardworking, but the commitment overcomes the difficulties; family support is essential; and they find out their own way to express the milk. These donating women reveal that they are proud to be a donor, and by acknowledging themselves as such, their social representations link to the social construction of solidarity and a deeper feeling of what maternity means. This allows them to amplify the motherhood feeling, beyond their own child, as they feel they are the mother of many. Also, sharing what they have and helping those in need results in the visualization of the multiplication of the mother´s role and understanding that donating milk is worthwhile. The elements identified in this study offer important ground to implement campaigns and projects to improve compliance in Human Milk Bank donations.

abstract: Exclusivity and duration of breastfeeding and the provision of human milk in the United States is suboptimal. In the absence of adequate banked donor human milk for distribution to all infants in need, many families choose to engage in the practice of Private Arrangement Milk Sharing (PAMS), partially facilitated through social media, to procure human milk for their infants. Evidence regarding the participant and infant characteristics and risk abatement practices is incomplete. This dissertation describes and explores the characteristics of recipient participants and infants, family constellation, donor screening practices, and related risk abatement strategies. Data was collected via on-line survey as a sub-group of a larger data set including donor participants and international participants. Binary logistic regression modeling of factors that contribute to consistent screening and risk abatement practices and important antecedents to engaging in PAMS was conducted. Results are contextualized within a tailored socioecological framework of factors affecting infant feeding practices. Tailoring was accomplished via qualitative descriptive analysis of participant responses applied to an existing breastfeeding framework. Participants in this sample were predominantly white, married, with a mean age of 32.9 years, with at least some college education and above median income. Risk abatement and screening practices were influenced by support of a healthcare provider during decision-making, college education, infant age and health status, having lactation support, birth type and birth attendant, and the duration and sources sought for learning about milk sharing. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Nursing and Healthcare Innovation 2016

Submitted by Ronildo Prado (producaointelectual.bco@ufscar.br) on 2017-11-01T13:44:12Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCO.pdf: 1854670 bytes, checksum: 009fc8014d6d3482f98fadb1afa9d6a9 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (producaointelectual.bco@ufscar.br) on 2017-11-01T13:44:25Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCO.pdf: 1854670 bytes, checksum: 009fc8014d6d3482f98fadb1afa9d6a9 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (producaointelectual.bco@ufscar.br) on 2017-11-01T13:44:35Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCO.pdf: 1854670 bytes, checksum: 009fc8014d6d3482f98fadb1afa9d6a9 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-01T13:44:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DissCO.pdf: 1854670 bytes, checksum: 009fc8014d6d3482f98fadb1afa9d6a9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-16 / Não recebi financiamento / The Human Milk is considered the most complete food for the newborn, to promote the collection and distribution with certified quality, the Ministry of Health in the public policy scenario promotes breastfeeding and expansion of the Brazilian Network of Human Milk Bank which was created to ensure certification and the quality of human milk from collection to distribution, it is responsible for the selection, physicochemical and microbiological evaluation, providing an innocuous product and respecting their role as food. To contribute to the scientific evidence this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of samples of human milk from milk bank in São Carlos / SP, through analysis and quantification in petri dishes by solid culture of mesophilic, psychrophilic, thermophilic, Staphylococcus spp. filamentous fungi and leveduriform and most probable number (MPN) of total and fecal coliforms through presumptive test and confirmatory, as well as verification of physical-chemical parameters of pH, acidity ° Dornic and energy content (K) correlating the variables in the microbiological quality by descriptive statistical analysis and linear correlation Pearson. Of the 29 analyzed samples and unfit for consumption, revealed the presence of 17.24% of psychrophilic, 27.59% of thermophiles, 55.17% of mesophilic, 41.38% of filamentous fungi and leveduriform absence of Staphylococcus spp, for coliform group was the presence of 82.76% presumptive phase and 54.16% for total coliforms and 33.33% for fecal coliforms in the confirmatory phase, pH values and K showed no variation, as for acidity was microbial growth between 3 ° to 15 ° Dornic, the correlation of physical and chemical variables was detected. The results presented in analyzes suggest that was deficient in good manufacturing practices, impairing the microbiological quality of human milk. / O Leite Humano é considerado o alimento mais completo para o recémnascido, para promover a coleta e distribuição com qualidade certificada, o Ministério da Saúde no cenário das políticas públicas promove o aleitamento materno e expansão da Rede Brasileira de Banco de Leite Humano o qual foi criado para garantir a certificação e a qualidade do Leite Humano Ordenhado, desde a coleta até a distribuição, sendo sua responsabilidade a seleção, avaliação físico-química e microbiológica, fornecendo um produto inócuo e respeitando sua função como alimento. Para contribuir com as evidencias cientificas o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de amostras de leite humano proveniente de Banco de Leite no município de São Carlos/SP, por intermédio de análise e da quantificação em placas de petri por meio de cultura sólida dos microrganismos mesófilos, psicrófilos, termófilos, Staphylococcus spp. fungos filamentosos e leveduriformes e número mais provável (NMP) de coliformes totais e termotolerantes por meio de teste presuntivo e confirmativo, além da verificação do parâmetro físico químico do pH, acidez ° Dornic e do teor energético (K) correlacionando as variáveis na qualidade microbiológica por meio de análise estatística descritiva e a correlação linear Pearson. Das 29 amostras analisadas e impróprias para consumo, evidenciou a presença de 17,24% de psicrófilos, 27,59% de termófilos, 55,17% de mesófilos, 41,38% de fungos filamentosos leveduriformes e ausência de Staphylococcus spp, para o grupo de coliformes houve a presença de 82,76% fase presuntiva e 54,16% para coliformes totais e 33,33% para coliformes termotolerantes na fase confirmativa, os valores de pH e K não apresentaram variação, já para acidez houve o crescimento microbiano entre 3° a 15° Dornic, não foi detectada a correlação das variáveis físico-química. Os resultados apresentados nas análises sugerem que o houve deficiência nas boas práticas de manipulação, prejudicando a qualidade microbiológica de leite humano.

O leite humano pasteurizado vem sendo apresentado como a alternativa mais eficaz para alimentar prematuros e também recém-nascidos cujas mães estejam com alguma dificuldade para amamentar. Para suprir essa demanda, aumentou significativamente a implantação de bancos de leite humano no Brasil e no mundo. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi conhecer as representações sociais sobre a doação de leite entre mulheres colaboradoras do banco de leite humano em um hospital universitário público. Os referenciais teórico e metodológico utilizados foram, respectivamente, a Teoria das Representações Sociais e a Análise de Conteúdo. Para os dados quantitativos, foi utilizada a análise estatística descritiva. Foram entrevistadas 30 mulheres cadastradas como doadoras no Banco de Leite Humano do Hospital Universitário de Londrina, no Paraná. A idade variou de 18 a 44 anos, a maioria teve seus filhos por cesariana, 96,7% estavam com o companheiro, 86,7% possuíam curso superior completo ou pós-graduação, 76,7% exerciam trabalho remunerado fora de casa, o maior volume de leite doado foi 88 litros, o tempo médio de doação foi 155 dias e o tempo médio de aleitamento materno foi de 371 dias. Das falas dessas mulheres emergiram quatro temas com suas respectivas categorias: A experiência de amamentar; O banco de leite humano: lugar de acolhimento e aprendizagem; A doação dá trabalho e exige compromisso e Ser doadora é compartilhar o que tem e ajudar a quem precisa. A gênese para uma mulher se tornar doadora é estar amamentando seu filho e esse processo, proveniente da sua vivência familiar, apresenta-se como tendo um lado bom e outro que exige desafios, mas ela percebe que seu leite é único, que sua produção é mais do que suficiente para seu filho, levando essa mulher a procurar o banco de leite para compartilhar esse alimento com outras crianças. O banco de leite se torna para ela um local de acolhimento, apoio e aprendizado e ela se torna divulgadora desse serviço. Também passa a conhecer as histórias de doação e constata que doar seu leite dá trabalho, mas o compromisso assumido supera tal dificuldade; o apoio da família é essencial e ela descobre a sua maneira de ordenhar esse leite. Expressa que sente muito orgulho por ser uma doadora e, ao se perceber nessa condição, as suas representações sociais vinculam-se à construção social da solidariedade e de um sentimento mais profundo do significado da maternidade, que lhes propicia o sentimento de ampliar, para além de seu filho, o sentir ser mãe de muitos, em que compartilhar o que tem e ajudar a quem precisa resulta na sensação de ver mulptiplicado o papel materno e conhcer que doar vale a pena. Os elementos aqui identificados oferecem subsídios importantes para a condução de campanhas e projetos de melhoria de adesão de doadoras nos trabalhos dos Bancos de Leite Humano. / Pasteurized human milk has presented itself as the most effective alternative to feed preterm babies as well as newborns whose mothers are having some difficulty to breastfeed. In order to supply this demand, the number of human milk banks has significantly increased worldwide and in Brazil as well. The aim of this study was to acknowledge the social representation of human milk donation among women who donated to a human milk bank from a public hospital. The Social Representation Theory and Content Analysis were used as theoretical and methodological approaches, respectively. Quantitative data was assessed using descriptive statistical analysis. Thirty women were interviewed, all were donors at the Human Milk Bank from Londrina´s University Hospital, in Paraná State. Their age ranged from 18 to 44 years old, most had caesarean-sections, 96.7% had a companion; 86.7% had higher education or were postgraduates; 76.7% had a paid job; the biggest amount of donated milk was 88 liters; average donation period was 155 days; and average breastfeeding period was 371 days. Four themes and categories emerged from the women´s speeches: The breastfeeding experience; The human milk bank: a welcoming and learning place; Donating is hard-working and demands commitment; and Being a donor is sharing what I have and helping with others need. What motivates a woman to become a human milk donor involves the experience of breastfeeding her baby, which presents itself as a positive attitude, however posing some challenges. She realizes that her milk is unique, that she produces more than her baby can take, so she goes to the milk bank to share this nourishment with other children. The human milk bank becomes a welcoming, supportive and learning place for her, who spreads the word about this service/facility. These women also become aware of donation stories and comprehends that donating their milk is hardworking, but the commitment overcomes the difficulties; family support is essential; and they find out their own way to express the milk. These donating women reveal that they are proud to be a donor, and by acknowledging themselves as such, their social representations link to the social construction of solidarity and a deeper feeling of what maternity means. This allows them to amplify the motherhood feeling, beyond their own child, as they feel they are the mother of many. Also, sharing what they have and helping those in need results in the visualization of the multiplication of the mother´s role and understanding that donating milk is worthwhile. The elements identified in this study offer important ground to implement campaigns and projects to improve compliance in Human Milk Bank donations.

O leite humano é livre de contaminantes e repleto de nutrientes, devendo permanecer assim até a hora do consumo. No entanto, condições higiênico-sanitárias inadequadas durante a coleta e o armazenamento do leite doado aos Bancos de Leite Humano podem ocasionar a presença de sujidades e contaminação do mesmo com microrganismos advindos das mãos da doadora ou do ambiente que a circunda. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi verificar a qualidade sanitária de 76 amostras de leite humano ordenhado e enviado ao Banco de Leite Humano em Taubaté, SP e traçar o perfil sócio-econômico e ambiental de 27 doadoras cadastradas no Banco de Leite, assim como suas práticas higiênico-sanitárias durante a coleta e armazenamento do leite ordenhado. As análises microbiológicas mostraram que 100% das amostras estavam contaminadas com coliformes totais e termotolerantes, sendo que 30 amostras (39,48%) apresentaram contagens para coliformes totais acima de 2400 NMP/mL e 4 amostras (5,27%) apresentaram contagens para coliformes termotolerantes acima de 2400 NMP/mL. As amostras com menor índice de contaminação microbiológica eram provenientes de doadoras com maior nível de escolaridade. A maioria das doadoras declarou ser de cor branca, católicas, nascidas no Estado de SP e trabalham fora de casa. Todas realizaram o prénatal, sendo que a maioria utilizou a rede particular de saúde, teve parto cesariana e optando por ter poucos filhos. Todas possuem serviços de saneamento básico em suas residências. Os resultados das análises microbiológicas demonstraram que o emprego inadequado de normas higiênico-sanitárias durante a obtenção e manipulação do leite humano ordenhado cru são fatores que favorecem o crescimento microbiano no leite. / Human milk is free of contaminants and full of nutrients, and should remain so until consumption. However, sanitary conditions during collection and storage of milk donated to human milk banks can lead to soiling and contamination of microorganisms from the hands or the environment of the donor. The aim of this study was to assess the sanitary quality of 76 samples of human milk of Human Milk Bank in Taubaté, SP and trace the socio-economic and environmental of 27 donors registered in the Human Milk Bank, as well as hygienic practices and health during the collection and storage of milk. Microbiological analysis showed that 100% of the samples were contaminated with total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms, and 30 samples (39.48%) showed total coliform counts for most of 2400 MPN/mL and 4 samples (5.27%) had scores for thermotolerant coliforms above 2400 MPN/mL. Samples with a lower rate of microbiological contamination were from donors with higher educational level. Most donors considered to be white, catholic, born in the State of SP and work outside the home. All received pre-natal, and most use the private network of health, had a cesarean section and choosing to have fewer children. All have basic sanitation services in their homes. The microbiological analysis results showed that the improper sanitary standards for the collection and handling of raw human milk predispose to microbial contamination of milk.