Nurse’s knowledge regarding importance of human milk and milk banking

Background: Breast milk is the complete nutrition for the babies during first 6 months of life. It is very important to feed the baby with breast milk during that crucial period of growth. Unavailability of breast milk can put the baby in life threatening conditions. In order to resolve the problem and to improve the mortality rate of neonates, nurses should have up to date information regarding the breast milk and its storage. Aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of nurses regarding importance of human milk and milk banking.Methods: Quantitative, descriptive research approach was used to assess the knowledge of 150 purposively selected nurses working in obstetric, gynae and pediatric wards in selected hospitals of Punjab by using socio-demographic sheet and self-structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for the analysis of data.Results: Study findings revealed that majority of nurses 66% have adequate knowledge regarding importance of human milk and milk banking. Knowledge of nurses regarding importance of human milk and milk banking is significantly associated with working department.Conclusions: Study concluded that knowledge of nurses regarding importance of human milk and milk banking is satisfactory. But for the further improvement in knowledge of nurse’s in-service programs should be provided to them after regular intervals of time. So that they perform their work efficiently.

Infant and Young Child Feeding Guidelines, 2016.

Justification: Shaping up the post-2015 development agenda is of crucial importance in the development process around the Globe as 2015 was the last year of milllionium development goals. It is the right time to asses our own progress vis-a-vis the Millennium Development Goals and these Guidelines are an attempt in that regard. Process: The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics invited a group of experts for National Consultative Meet for discussing and contributing on latest scientific advances and developments. Various partners from WHO, UNICEF, Ministry of Child Welfare Department, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers of Govt of India, Human Milk Banking Association (of India), Indian Medico-Legal and Ethics Association (IMLEA), non-governmental organizations and academicians from various states of India contributed to these guidelines. The guidelines were finalized during the IYCNCON 2015 at New Delhi in August 2015. Objectives: To formulate, endorse, adopt and disseminate guidelines related to Infant and Young Child feeding from an Indian perspective (including human milk banking, infant feeding in the HIV situation, and micro-nutrients). Recommendations: Early initiation of breastfeeding within first hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months followed by continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond with appropriate complementary foods after completion of 6 months is the most appropriate feeding strategy. Micro-nutrient supplementation in infants, and adequate nutrition and anemia control for adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers is advocated. Concepts and need for human milk banks in India has also been incorporated.

Human Milk Banking Guidelines.

Justification: WHO and UNICEF state that the use of human milk from other sources should be the first alternative when it is not possible for the mother to breastfeed. Human milk banks should be made available in appropriate situations. The IYCF Chapter is actively concerned about the compelling use of formula feeds in the infants because of the non availability of human breast milk banks. Process: A National Consultative Meet for framing guidelines was summoned by the IYCF Chapter and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India on 30th June, 2013, with representations from various stakeholders. The guidelines were drafted after an extensive literature review and discussions. Though these guidelines are based on the experiences and guidelines from other countries, changes have been made to suit the Indian setup, culture and needs, without compromising scientific evidence. Objectives: To ensure quality of donated breast milk as a safe end product. Recommendations: Human Milk Banking Association should be constituted, and human milk banks should be established across the country. National coordination mechanism should be developed with a secretariat and technical support to follow-up on action in States. Budgetary provisions should be made available for the activities.

Guidelines for the establishment and operation of a donor human milk banking in 2013 / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America(HMBANA) is a professional association for supporters of non-profit donor human milk banking.HMBANA develops guidelines for donor human milk banking practices.The construction of China's human milk bank has just begun in few areas in 2013.To further promote the development and implementation of donor human milk banking in our country,this review introduce the guideline for establishment and operation of a donor human milk bank which drafted by HMBANA in 2013.The guideline can provide the basis for the development of human milk bank in our country.