Policy document
Islamic lifesaving human milk donation model for small and sick preterm: Policy development.
Dua' Y Al-Maharma, Hanan Sabah, Waddah Demeh ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study developed a policy model for human milk donation in neonatal intensive care units in Jordan that complies with both international standards and Islamic religious requirements. Researchers surveyed mothers and healthcare providers and consulted religious scholars to understand support for and barriers to establishing such a program. The majority of mothers and healthcare providers supported the model, though religious restrictions were seen as a significant barrier by many providers.
Key points
- 67% of postpartum mothers supported establishing a human milk donation model adhering to religious and legal guidelines
- 51.1% of mothers were willing to donate milk, and 47.9% would use donor human milk for their infants
- 59.4% of healthcare providers supported the model, with health policy drafting seen as a key facilitator by 59.4%
- 71.9% of healthcare providers identified religious restrictions as the main barrier to implementation
- Religious scholars emphasized the importance of documentation to ensure compliance with Islamic rules regarding milk kinship
Limitations
This study assesses perceptions and support for a policy model rather than evaluating implementation or outcomes of an actual human milk donation program. The research does not demonstrate whether the proposed model, if implemented, would actually improve health outcomes for preterm infants.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Premature birth predisposes preterm infants to life-threatening complications. Donor human milk is as effective as a mother's own milk when mothers cannot produce enough milk. In Islam, receiving donor human milk creates a milk kinship that imposes religious restrictions. Therefore, Muslim countries have made limited efforts to develop human milk donation policies that meet international standards and Islamic regulations. PURPOSE: To develop a health policy model about human milk donation for small and sick preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units in Jordan based on the CDC policy analysis framework and by adhering to Islamic rules. METHODS: Self-reporting questionnaires assessed the perceptions of 94 postpartum mothers and 96 health care providers regarding human milk donation. In addition, four structured interviews with religious scholars were conducted to assess policy religious legitimacy. RESULTS: 67% of mothers supported the establishment of a human milk donation model that adheres to religious and legal guidelines. Additionally, around 51.1% were willing to donate milk, and 47.9% would use donor human milk for their infants. Similarly, 59.4% of health care providers supported such a model, and 59.4% considered drafting health policies as a key facilitator, whereas 71.9% considered religious restrictions the main barrier. Finally, religious scholars value the existence of human milk donation policies, emphasizing the importance of documentation to ensure compliance with Islamic rules. CONCLUSION: The "Islamic Lifesaving Human Milk Donation Model" aims to improve milk donation based on Islamic rules, serving as a benchmark for Muslim communities.