Exploring of Muslim women’s views and perceptions toward the establishment of human milk bank in Kuantan Pahang

Abstract

Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants and contains all the nutrients needed in the first six months of life. World Health Organization recommends infants should be exclusively breastfed to achieve optimal growth and development, and for infants born prematurely, ill, or low birth weight breastmilk is highly encouraged. Donated breast milk is a viable alternative and safely stored in a milk bank. Some Muslim countries have hesitated to establish milk banks due to religious and ethical concerns. In Malaysia, the establishment of the Shariah-compliant Halimatussaadia Mothers Milk Center (HMMC) in SASMEC@IIUM Kuantan aimed to address this issue. Aims: This study aimed to explore women’s perceptions toward donating breast milk, their views on establishing milk banks, and the factors influencing these perceptions and views. Methods: A qualitative research design was applied, using purposive sampling to engage twenty breastfeeding Malay women residing in Kuantan, Pahang. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted individually for ten months from January 2022 to October 2022. Concurrently, thematic analysis was employed to explore the comprehensive data provided by the participants. Results: The study revealed six themes involving readiness and reluctance to donate breast milk, support and reluctance to the establishment of milk banks, knowledge of human milk banks, and religious and cultural perspectives on milk donation. Conclusion: The establishment of milk banks supports the survival of premature and ill infants. Improving women’s knowledge can increase confidence and willingness to donate breast milk. This study has a positive impact on community health awareness by encouraging women to breastfeed exclusively and expressed breast milk, and continue breastfeeding practices, which contribute to reducing infant mortality and promoting healthy childhood development in the community.