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
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/15490 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Oosthuizen, Charlene Sherryl |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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