How Does Pasteurised Donor Human Milk Support Women's Breastfeeding Journeys? A Mixed-Method Study in…

Cohort studyJournal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association· Aug 2026

How Does Pasteurised Donor Human Milk Support Women's Breastfeeding Journeys? A Mixed-Method Study in Collaboration With Te Whare Poipoi - Palmerston North Hospital Neonatal Unit, New Zealand.

Ying Jin, Hina Humayun, Louise Wedgwood … Linda Murray

Pediatric Gastroenterology & NutritionCohort studyClinical practiceQ2IF 1.8

Donor milk use linked to higher exclusive breastfeeding rate at discharge

How Does Pasteurised Donor Human Milk Support Women's Breastfeeding Journeys? A Mixed-Method Study in Collaboration With Te Whare Poipoi - Palmerston North Hospital Neonatal Unit, New Zealand.

Ying Jin … Linda Murray

Journal of human lactation · Aug 2026 · Q2 in General Medicine

Background

Pasteurised donor human milk (pasteurised donor human milk) is increasingly available to support vulnerable infants when maternal milk is temporarily unavailable.

Purpose

This study investigated the impact of pasteurised donor human milk on breastfeeding journeys among mothers and infants admitted to the neonatal unit (Te Whare Poipoi) at Palmerston North Hospital, New Zealand.

Methods

We employed a mixed-methods design combining retrospective quantitative data (2019-2022) and qualitative interviews ( n = 55).

n = 55

Results

more infants fed only breast milk at discharge with donor milk than without

PDHM users

60%

Non-users

52%

More results

Following the introduction of pasteurised donor human milk, use rose from 18% before 2021 to 50% after.

Mothers described pasteurised donor human milk as enabling bonding and persistence with breastfeeding while creating space for healing.

Challenges included limited supply and ongoing breastfeeding difficulties for some.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Findings indicate that pasteurised donor human milk positively supports breastfeeding, particularly among late preterm and early-term infants, and contributes to maternal well-being.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Strengthening donor milk services can play a crucial role in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding.

How Does Pasteurised Donor Human Milk Support Women's Breastfeeding Journeys? A Mixed-Method Study in Collaboration With Te Whare Poipoi - Palmerston North Hospital Neonatal Unit, New Zealand.

How Does Pasteurised Donor Human Milk Support Women's Breastfeeding Journeys? A Mixed-Method Study in Collaboration With Te Whare Poipoi - Palmerston North Hospital Neonatal Unit, New Zealand.

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