Human Milk Pathways: Peer-to-Peer Sharing and Donor Banking

Price: $90

This immersive 6-hour course traces the evolution of infant feeding practices, from historical traditions like wet nursing and cross-cultural milk sharing to the modern dynamics of formula use and donor milk banking. You'll explore how industry, medicalization, and cultural norms have shaped perceptions of breastmilk and formula, and how these forces continue to influence infant nutrition today.
We’ll examine the growing trend of peer-to-peer milk sharing, comparing its benefits, risks, and ethical considerations with the regulated practices of pasteurized donor milk banks. Special attention is given to the life-saving role of donor human milk for premature and medically fragile infants, including the rigorous safety protocols used by milk banks and the challenges that limit access—such as time constraints, lack of awareness, and systemic inequities.
An insightful overview of infant feeding history and ethics. The module on donor milk safety and access barriers is especially relevant for NICU and lactation teams.
“This course really opened my eyes to how much history and culture shape the way we feed babies. I didn’t realize how complex donor milk and milk sharing could be, or how many barriers families face when trying to access safe options. 
Balanced, evidence-informed content. The discussion on peer milk sharing vs. regulated banking is nuanced and clinically useful.

Meet the Faculty

Mark Spitzack
BA, MSM

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LECTURER
Learn more about Mark here.