Abstract

Human milk banks provide pasteurized donor milk for premature infants whose mothers are unable to produce sufficient amounts of milk, offering critical nutritional and immunological benefits for this high-risk population.1–4 Although 28 HMBANA-accredited milk banks operate in the United States, none are located within 4.5 hours of Rochester, NY. This study examined the knowledge and perceptions of human milk bank donation among pregnant, lactating, and postpartum women in Rochester, NY, and in communities near HMBANA-affiliated milk banks, and assessed if there is a correlation regarding the proximity of milk banks.  A cross-sectional study design was used, and participants completed a 25-item survey, adapted from a Theory of Planned Behavior-based instrument assessing knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to donate.5 Recruitment occurred through Facebook lactation and mother support groups near Rochester and the 28 U.S HMBANA-accredited milk banks, as well as in person at Rochester WIC clinics. The survey was open for three weeks (October 10th to October 31st, 2025), and 122 women participated. Knowledge differed significantly across ZIP code groups (p < .001), with the highest scores among participants living neither in Rochester nor near a milk bank. Knowledge was positively correlated with total KANI scores (r =.289, p = .002) but was not associated with intention to donate or subjective norms. No significant differences between ZIP code groups were observed for attitude, subjective norms, intention to donate, or total KANI scores. However, several meaningful correlations emerged: higher subjective norms correlated with higher total KANI scores, pregnancy status, and number of children; and intention to donate was significantly associated with subjective norms.  Participants residing near milk banks placed greater value on others’ opinions, and pregnant participants reported stronger subjective normative influences than non-pregnant participants. Prior donation experience or awareness of milk donation did not correspond to higher knowledge. While geographic differences were limited, the identified correlations highlight the need for targeted education to improve knowledge and understanding of human milk donation.

Publication Date

1-6-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Dietetics and Nutrition (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition

College

College of Health Sciences and Technology

Advisor

Barbara Lohse

Advisor/Committee Member

Dustin Haraden

Advisor/Committee Member

Daniel Ornt

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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