Representations of women milk donors on donations for the human milk bank

Abstract Human milk banks (HMBs) have difficulty maintaining and increasing their stocks, and the number of women enrolling as members remains low. The present qualitative study, based on social representation theory, aimed to understand women’s representations of the milk donation experience. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in 2013. In total, 12 women aged 18 to 39 years old participated in the study. Most were primiparous, married or living with a partner, housewives, completed high school, and belonged to lower economic classes. Four categories emerged from the testimonies: human milk donation; representations about human milk banks (HMB); the importance of breastfeeding for the baby and for one's conceptualization as a mother; and prenatal care and donation awareness. The main reasons for donating were representations that value breastfeeding, human milk, and the donation act. These mothers had difficulties donating, but the rewarding feeling, the value of this practice, and the support they received from people important to them helped with the donation. The findings related to the value of the donation and breastfeeding provide ways to effectively encourage and motivate potential donors, achieving comprehensive care starting from the prenatal period