Donor human milk programs in German, Austrian and Swiss neonatal units - findings from an international survey

Abstract: Background
Donor human milk (DHM) has been recommended for premature infants if mothers’ own milk is not available. The aim of this study was to increase the knowledge about the utilization rate and handling of DHM among neonatal units in Germany, Austria und Switzerland.

Methods
Online survey of utilization rates and handling practices of DHM of all neonatal units within Germany, Austria and Switzerland providing care for premature infants less than 32 weeks of gestation.

Results
DHM utilization rate of 35% is low (50/142) within those 54% of units that responded to our survey (142/261). Only 26/50 units have DHM routinely integrated into their nutritional management protocols. Lacking access and difficult procurement were cited as the main obstacles for not using DHM. However, eight out of ten respondents currently not using DHM would like to introduce DHM in their unit if available. There were differences in most aspects of DHM handling including donor recruitment and screening, testing and treatment of milk microbiota and commencement of DHM utilization. Breastmilk feeding rates were increased in units utilizing DHM compared to those not utilizing DHM.

Conclusions
DHM is underutilized in most neonatal units caring for premature infants within participating countries. Lacking access to DHM represents the main barrier for utilizing DHM for premature infants

Location
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
Extent
Online-Ressource
Language
Englisch
Notes
BMC pediatrics. - 20, 1 (2020) , 235, ISSN: 1471-2431

Classification
Soziale Probleme, Sozialdienste, Versicherungen
Keyword
Stillen
Muttermilch
Neugeborenes
Frühgeburt
Screening

Event
Veröffentlichung
(where)
Freiburg
(who)
Universität
(when)
2020
Creator
Klotz, Daniel
Jansen, Stefanie
Glanzmann, René
Haiden, Nadja
Fuchs, Hans
Gebauer, Corinna Mirjam

DOI
10.1186/s12887-020-02137-2
URN
urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-1658280
Rights
Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
Last update
25.03.2025, 1:42 PM CET

Data provider

This object is provided by:
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Associated

Time of origin

  • 2020

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