A study to assess the knowledge regarding human milk banking among mothers admitted in hospital of New Delhi with a view to develop and disseminate an informational pamphlet regarding human milk banking

Human milk banking is a vital health care initiative that ensures the availability of safe, pasteurized donor human milk for infants who are unable to receive their mother’s milk, especially premature and critically ill newborns. It plays a crucial role in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly by preventing conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis. Donor mothers are carefully screened, and the milk undergoes standardized pasteurization and testing processes to ensure safety and quality. Human milk banks operate under established ethical and medical guidelines to promote breastfeeding and support neonatal health. Despite its growing importance, challenges such as lack of awareness, limited infrastructure, and cultural barriers remain. Expanding human milk banking services globally can significantly improve infant survival rates and long-term health outcomes. The objectives of study were to assess the level of knowledge among mothers admitted in a selected hospital of New Delhi regarding human milk banking, to develop and disseminate an informational pamphlet on human milk banking and to find association between the knowledge level and demographic variables among mothers. A quantitative research approach was used and the research design used was non experimental descriptive research design. 40 mothers were selected through non probability purposive sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire was used. After the administration of the knowledge questionnaire the informational pamphlets on human milk banking were distributed to mothers. The data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that 50% had average knowledge and 50% had poor knowledge about human milk banking. The mean value of knowledge score was 9.9 and the median value was 10.5 with a standard deviation of 4.05. There was a significant association of mother’s knowledge with their education, family income, no. of children