The Use of Donor Human Milk in Neonates

This revised BAPM Framework outlines best practice use of donor human milk (DHM) for neonates in the UK. It aligns with the Neonatology Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Report recommendation that DHM should be available for high risk preterm infants in the absence of sufficient MOM, and advocates for equity of access across all neonatal units and networks.

The Framework recognises that there is a growing demand for DHM, with a high level of public acceptability, but acknowledges that there are ongoing uncertainties around both DHM and human milk banking. It also addresses the increasing commercialisation of human milk, and makes recommendations for the regulation of human milk banks (HMB) and for-profit human milk companies.

The Framework relates primarily to DHM use in hospital environments rather than use in the community. Its recommendations are therefore applicable to:

• All healthcare professionals who look after babies in neonatal units, transitional care, postnatal and paediatric wards.
• Families of babies cared for in these environments.
• Commissioners and providers of neonatal and allied services.