Donor Human Milk Bank Data Collection in North America

What is it about?

The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) is a non-profit association that standardizes and facilitates the establishment and operation of donor human milk (DHM) banks in North America. HMBANA milk banks each collect data on the DHM they receive and distribute, but a centralized data repository does not yet exist. We describe data currently collected by HMBANA DHM banks and evaluate feasibility and interest in participating in a centralized data repository.

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Why is it important?

This paper represents an important gap in the milk banking industry. HMBANA-affiliated milk banks do not collect consistent data regarding milk donors and milk bank operations. Lack of standardization and transparency may deter implementation of donor milk programs in the NICU setting and hinder benchmarking, research and quality improvement initiatives.