13 Bio-Intimate Economies of Breastmilk ... 329process, and use of donor milk was available. The development of the
guideline followed a specific case in the NICU where a sister’s milk was
used for a premature baby. Donor breastmilk guidelines are designed to
help staff provide information for women so that they are able to make an
informed choice, and to ensure that staff feel comfortable in the process.
The guidelines at Morgan’s workplace took up to two years to develop and
were then sent out for wide consultation by paediatric dietitians, infectious
diseases team, and neonatal and maternity units. A legal team assisted with
the development of the information sheets and consent documents.
In line with Grosvslien and Gronn ( 2009 ), who contend that the
use of raw donor milk is reasonable in a country, such as New Zealand,
with a very low incidence of HIV and hepatitis, the Use of donor breast
milk guideline policy states that while Wellington Hospital is unable to
provide pasteurisation, thorough screening and freezing can eliminate
some of these risks. During a conversation with parents about the use
of donor milk, they are made aware that the milk is unpasteurised. This
information is contained within the consent document, and very similar
documentation is also made available for the donor. Confidentiality is
maintained for both parties.
Since the breastmilk donation policy was introduced at Morgan’s
unit, the use of donor milk has evolved. Frequently, mothers who have
ample supplies of EBM offer their excess milk, at which point a con-
versation with staff around donating is initiated. If a mother indicates
willingness to donate breastmilk in the NICU, she is given an informa-
tion sheet so as to make an informed choice about donating her milk.
A discussion with the lactation consultant and a neonatologist is then
undertaken, followed by the completion of a health history question-
naire. If this is satisfactory, arrangements are made for screening bloods
to be taken. Previous antenatal bloods and history are available within
the mother’s notes while their babies are in the unit. If the health screen
and bloods are clear, a consent form is signed and the woman is given
information about the donation process. Similar consent procedures are
followed in NICUs elsewhere (see Carroll 2016 ).
Surprisingly, from the perspective of unit staff, many women are una-
ware of some of the risks of using donor milk, such as the transfer of
viruses, certain medications (e.g. anti-depressants), and substances such