To consent, or not to consent, that is the question: Ethical issues of informed consent for the use of donor human milk in the NICU setting

Except in rare instances, mother’s own milk (MOM) is the best source of nutrition for her infant and there is evidence that it reduces comorbidities common to prematurity and very low birth weight. When there is not sufficient MOM for an infant’s nutritional needs or when there are contraindications to the use of MOM, pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) is a viable substitution. In this paper, we discuss the history of DHM use and the ethics surrounding the consent process for the use of DHM. There is a need for standardization and consistent use of informed consent for DHM in the NICU.

Authors: Kelly McGlothen-Bell, Lisa Cleveland, & Britt Pados

Publication information: Advances in Neonatal Care. 2019; 19(5): 371-375. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000651

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