Status : Verified
| Personal Name | Arellano, Jorgen B.; Smith, Jafiza Reejan S.; Yangot, Kathlea Francynn Gawani D. |
|---|---|
| Resource Title | Acceptability of donor human milk (DHM) and human milk banks (HMBs) among Muslim mothers in Manila City |
| Date Issued | 4 June 2025 |
| Abstract | Breast milk is the most ideal and complete source of nutrition for a child in the first six months of life. Children should begin consuming adequate and safe complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed up to at least two years of age. In cases where breastfeeding is impeded by maternal or external challenges and the mother’s own milk (MOM) is unavailable, breast milk sharing or donor human milk (DHM) from established human milk banks (HMBs) are the next best alternative nutrient source to meet infants’ nutritional needs. However, the acceptability of donating or using DHM from HMBs varies across cultural and religious contexts. In Islam, the concept of milk kinship creates a familial bond between the donor mother and recipient, which could potentially hinder the acceptance of DHM and HMBs among Muslim mothers. This qualitative study aimed to explore the acceptability of DHM and HMBs among Muslim mothers in Manila City using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Muslim mothers aged 18–49 years old. Findings revealed that 18 (90%) mothers found milk donation acceptable, driven by health-related altruism and compassion for infants in need. However, only 12 (60%) mothers found using DHM for their own child acceptable due to concerns about safety, milk kinship, and donor anonymity. Key barriers included insufficient milk supply, time constraints, lack of awareness, and religious misconceptions. Besides religious and cultural beliefs, practical and emotional burdens shaped attitudes regarding the use of DHM and HMBs. The study recommends culturally and religiously sensitive awareness campaigns, improved access to HMBs, and collaboration with religious leaders to clarify misconceptions. These findings may guide inclusive, Shariah-compliant milk banking strategies that support infant nutrition while respecting religious values. |
| Degree Course | Bachelor of Science in Community Nutrition |
| Language | English; Filipino |
| Keyword | Breast milk; Donor human milk; Human milk bank; Muslim mothers; Infant nutrition; Muslim women—Philippines |
| Material Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
Preliminary Pages
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Access Permission : Limited Access