I Just Wish It Wasn't so Taboo: Recipient Mothers' Experiences of Breastmilk Sharing

Background and Purpose:

Peer-to-peer breastmilk sharing via online social networks is increasing (Gribble, 2014). While there is much controversy surrounding this practice, little research exists examining mothers’ experiences with breastmilk sharing.  However, mothers’ substantial desire to provide breastmilk to their children, despite breastfeeding challenges, has been documented as a primary factor for participation (Perrin, Goodell, Allen, & Fogelman, 2014). 

The benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby are exhaustive; one maternal benefit includes stress reduction, which has been identified as a primary risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD) (Hahn-Holbrook, Schetter, & Haselton, 2013).  However, mothers who intend to breastfeed, but who do not meet their breastfeeding goals, are at increased risk for PPD (Borra, Iacovou, & Sevilla, 2014). An uncharted question is whether or not there exists a relationship between receiving donated breastmilk and mothers’ stress and maternal mental health postpartum. 

This qualitative phenomenological research takes a step toward addressing these gaps by exploring mothers’ experiences as recipients in peer-to-peer breastmilk sharing to better understand what informs their infant feeding practices and how stress may be impacted by their decision to utilize donated breastmilk. This study allows recipient mothers to communicate experiences in more depth than previous research, which consisted of surveys and open-ended questionnaires. 

Methods:

Twenty recipient mothers from the United States and Canada who participated in peer-to-peer breastmilk sharing within the past year partook in interviews ranging from 25 – 75 minutes. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A detailed audit trail, clear sampling rationale, peer debriefing, negative case analysis, and reflexivity strategies were employed to increase the rigor and trustworthiness of the study (Barusch, Gringeri, & George, 2011; Padgett, 2017).  Using an inductive approach, open coding and axial coding were completed.  Principles of grounded theory were used to analyze and interpret data.

Results:

Various situations (breastfeeding challenges, breastmilk pumping challenges, health challenges, and adoption) led to the decision to utilize donated breastmilk.  Mothers emphasized the numerous health benefits of utilizing a peer’s breastmilk for their child, including nutrients, antibodies, immune system support, reduction of allergies, assistance with weight gain, and even healing from substance exposure and congenital disease. Mothers also developed friendships and experienced increased community support. The majority of mothers reported a dramatic reduction in perceived stress as a result of using donated breastmilk from a peer. In cases where pediatricians disapproved of the use of donor milk, mothers expressed frustration and disappointment. All mothers in the study expressed concern that peer-to-peer breastmilk sharing is stigmatized, misunderstood, and perceived as “taboo” by the public. 

Conclusions and Implications:

In addition to children’s health benefits, peer-to-peer breastmilk sharing may play a role in increasing mothers’ social support and reducing stress postpartum. Social workers must work to decrease the stigma of and increase education and normalization of peer-to-peer breastmilk sharing. Engaging healthcare providers is essential to help normalize breastmilk sharing and to maximize the benefits and minimize any potential risks to this growing practice.