Determining Knowledge and Opinions of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses on Wet-Nursing and Human Milk Banks: A Cross-Sectional Study in Turkiye

Background: Wet nursing and human milk banks are vital sources of human milk for infants unable to breastfeed. Research Aim: This study aims to determine the knowledge and opinions of neonatal intensive care unit nurses regarding wet-nursing and human milk banks in Turkiye. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 219 neonatal intensive care unit nurses using an online survey comprising 20 questions. The data were collected between August and September 2021. Results: Among the participants, 64.4% (n = 141) expressed that they would be a wet-nurse and 59.8% (n = 131) would search for a wet-nurse if necessary. Some, 47.0% (n = 103) of participants did not know if there were any human milk banks in Turkiye, 53.9% (n = 118) would like to be a donor if human milk banks were established, and 71.7% (n = 157) stated that the establishment of human milk banks should be supported. Religious concerns were the basis for reluctance to donate milk to human milk banks for 60% (n = 51) of the participants. Knowledge was greater and opinions about wet-nursing and human milk banks were more positive for participants with higher education, more time in the neonatal intensive care unit, or work at a tertiary care center. Conclusion: The approaches of neonatal intensive care unit nurses towards personally being wet-nurses and milk sharing were generally positive, although more information about human milk banks is needed. Religious beliefs are an important consideration when providing information about milk sharing.

Automated summary

This study surveyed the knowledge and opinions of neonatal intensive care unit nurses in Turkiye regarding wet-nursing and human milk banks. The results showed that most participants had positive attitudes towards being wet-nurses and supporting the establishment of human milk banks, but there was still a lack of knowledge about human milk banks, and religious beliefs influenced participants' willingness to donate.