Challenges in implementation of mother milk banks in Rajasthan: A situational analysis
, , , , and | Apr 01, 2022
Article Category: Original research
Published Online: Apr 01, 2022
Page range: 86 - 94
Received: Apr 20, 2021
Accepted: Aug 05, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.34763/jmotherandchild.20212502.d-21-00009
Keywords
© 2021 Neha Mantri et. al., published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Background
Breastmilk is the baby’s “first vaccine”. Donated human milk (DHM) is the next best alternative when a mother’s milk is not available, as recommended by WHO- UNICEF. DHM as a nutritional source provides similar immune protection and may prove revolutionary in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to explore the challenges in the implementation of selected Mother Milk Banks (MMBs) of Rajasthan.
Material and methods
A qualitative in-depth interview of key stakeholders was conducted to know the various facets of the challenges in milk banking practices using the Root Cause Analysis framework.
Results
The system challenges identified in the functioning of AMMBs were lack of recurring funds, dedicated lactational counselors, and trained technicians. Databases for demand-supply estimates were also lacking. The community challenges were low acceptance of DHM due to safety concerns, risk of disease transmission, and quality of donated milk. Moreover, the religious stigma and cultural beliefs regarding the transfer of heredity traits and decrease in mother-child affection act as barriers in donating milk.
Conclusion
For acceptance and availability of DHM, Social Behavior Communication Change (SBCC) interventions must be incorporated early during the antenatal check-up period. Our study highlighted the role of education; motivation by healthcare providers has a major influence on infant feeding choices. In a developing country such as India, where the frameworks concerning the development of mother milk banks are still maturing, our study findings provide baseline information to address the barriers in the implementation of mother milk banks in India.