The study is conducted in Norway and includes former breast milk donors at Oslo University Hospital during the period 2023–2024, and currently active breast milk donors during the period 2024–2025.
Background of the Study
Situations may arise during breastfeeding and the donation period where medication or other preparations become necessary. Breast milk donors are required to report all use of medications, herbal medicines, and supplements. The breast milk guide provides information about medications that can be used, medications that require a waiting period, and medications that exclude breast milk donation. Information on the transfer of medications to breast milk can vary from one source to another.
Research on medication use during donation is still limited, both quantitatively and qualitatively. There is also little insight into the experiences and attitudes towards medication use and donation among breast milk donors in Scandinavia.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of The Breast Milk Study is to investigate medication use among current and former breast milk donors. The study will also examine topics such as health, breastfeeding, use of herbal medicines and supplements, sociodemographic factors, and personal experiences with breast milk donation through both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Data will be collected from submitted reporting forms from the donors and prospective data collection through in-depth interviews. The aim is to ensure that the guidelines are based on solid scientific evidence through systematic evaluation of inquiries to the milk bank.
Study Design
The Breast Milk Study consists of three main parts:
Statistical Analysis
This part includes a review of historical data from former active breast milk donors (2023 – 2024), with a particular focus on reported medication use and sociodemographic factors.
In-Depth Interviews
Interviews will be conducted with volunteer breast milk donors to map medication use during the breastfeeding and donation period, and to gain insight into their experiences and attitudes related to medication use.
Systematic Evidence Assessment
A systematic evidence assessment of inquiries to the milk bank will be conducted, with a particular focus on questions related to medications that the milk bank has received inquiries about, and medications mentioned in the breast milk guide.
Privacy and Security
All personal data collected will be stored anonymously using the platforms "Nettskjema" and "Nettskjema Dictaphone." These IT solutions are used to securely store data on a server. Only researchers associated with the study have access to the data, and the information will only be used for the purposes described in the study.
Collaboration
The project is carried out by the School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo in collaboration with the milk bank at Oslo University Hospital (OUS).
User Representative
We are pleased to include a user representative in our study. Their involvement ensures that the perspectives and experiences of breast milk donors are accurately reflected and considered throughout the study.
