Abstract:

Breast milk is universally the basis of newborn nutrition in the first six months of life. Exclusively breastfeeding in this period, and continuation of breast milk until the age of two are recommended by health authorities. Breast milk is essential for the optimal growth and development of the newborn and is significantly superior to cow's milk, infant formulas, and inappropriate complementary foods in newborn nutrition. However, in cases such as death when the baby needs breast milk, the refusal of the baby to breastfeed and the mother's weaning, the use of wrong breastfeeding techniques, or the mother's refusal to breastfeed her baby, the newborn cannot access breast milk. This situation causes the newborn to be deprived of the nutrients most suitable for the all systems especially immune system, urogenital system, gastrointestinal system, and neuromuscular system, which has not yet matured and consequently causes health problems. Since ancient times, as a solution, milk-mothers have breastfed their babies who cannot reach breast milk. However, human milk banks have started to be established as an alternative to these milk-mothers in terms of transportation problems and infection risks. Today, there are human milk banks established and planned to be established in many countries. However, in the use of these human milk banks, it is necessary to pay attention to various issues. These issues; collecting breast milk from mothers who meet certain conditions by following appropriate procedures, ensuring its safety in terms of health with various methods such as pasteurization, storing it under appropriate conditions, and delivering it to the baby in need. When human milk banks are considered from all aspects, it is important that they do not create conflicts in terms of economy, religion, beliefs, and cultural aspects of society. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of breast milk banking, which has become widespread worldwide.

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