Donation of breastmilk to human milk bank: knowing the donor

Objective: To analyze the profile of human milk donor to the Human Milk Bank of a university hospital in the city of Cuiaba-MT, Brazil. Methods: observational, cross-sectional study conducted with all nursing mothers enrolled in the human milk bank as external donors using semi-structured questionnaire administered during the home collection of milk and, to the former donors, administered via telephone calls. We collected information concerning social demographic variables, prenatal care and donation process. Results and discussion: 70 donors participated, and the average age was 28.5 years old; 77.14% were married or in stable union, 36.76% had completed higher education and 66.67% were active in work. There was no relation between the age of donor and donation. Altruism was the main reason for women seeking the human milk bank. Donation can be justified by the maternal instinct and by a sense of solidarity. The women started donating one month after delivery, which is the time they usually seek the human milk bank and a good opportunity to encourage breastfeeding; 88.24% reported having no difficulties to start donating and the median donation period was 90 days. Conclusion: data indicated the importance of health education in prenatal care, because the mothers are more sensitive to learning in this period. We highlight the need of the human milk banks to know the profile of donors in order to use the proper advertising approach and get new donations. Key words: Milk Banks. Human Milk. Breast Feeding.