Examination of Donor Human Milk Practices Within Well Newborn Nurseries and Neonatal Intensive Care Units Across the United States

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate access to pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) among neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and well newborn nurseries across the United States. We also assessed practices associated with the provision and discontinuation of PDHM within these units. METHODS: Medical directors and site leads for NICUs and well newborn nurseries were polled using an online survey regarding PDHM access and their specific practices for provision and discontinuation. RESULTS: Among those surveyed, most US NICUs and well newborn nurseries have access to PDHM. Practices regarding provision and discontinuation vary widely. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in provision practices may contribute to inequitable access to PDHM among newly born infants. Further work is needed to discern why these practice variations exist and to ensure equitable access to PDHM among newborns.