Massey University Leads Groundbreaking Research on Donor Human Milk Decision Support
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has completed a significant Health Research Council of New Zealand project focused on enhancing support for whānau making decisions about pasteurised donor human milk in hospitals across Aotearoa New Zealand. Led by Senior Lecturer Dr Ying Jin, the multidisciplinary effort addresses critical gaps in informed consent processes during challenging times for families with vulnerable infants.
The HRC Health Delivery Activation Project brings together clinicians, lactation consultants, milk bank coordinators, Māori health experts and international partners. Its core aim is to create more consistent, culturally grounded approaches that help whānau navigate feeding choices when a mother’s own milk is unavailable or insufficient.
Understanding the Role of Donor Human Milk in Neonatal Care
Pasteurised donor human milk serves as a vital medical intervention for preterm and critically ill infants in neonatal intensive care units. When a mother’s milk supply is limited due to medical reasons or separation from her baby, this option provides essential nutrients and protective factors that support infant health and development.
In New Zealand, access to donor human milk varies between hospitals, creating inconsistencies in care. The project highlights how timing, information delivery and cultural considerations influence parental decisions during the stressful postpartum period.
Identifying Challenges in Current Decision-Making Processes
Earlier work by Dr Jin revealed that many parents are asked to make feeding decisions shortly after childbirth, often while exhausted or focused on a sick infant. Inconsistent information and time pressures can complicate informed consent.
The activation project mapped these issues through collaboration with frontline staff and whānau. It emphasised the need for conversations that respect family values and build trust rather than simply delivering facts.
Developing a National Draft Guideline for Informed Consent
A key outcome is an evidence-based national draft guideline to standardise informed consent processes for donor human milk. This resource aims to ensure all whānau receive clear, timely and culturally appropriate support regardless of the hospital they attend.
The guideline incorporates clinical realities alongside lived experiences, promoting equitable access and better outcomes for pēpi across the country.
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Embedding Kaupapa Māori Approaches and Te Tiriti Principles
Kaupapa Māori frameworks were central to the project, aligning the work with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supporting culturally safe care. Māori health experts contributed insights to ensure the approaches reflect the diverse needs of New Zealand whānau.
This focus strengthens equity in maternal and infant health services, addressing systemic variations that can disproportionately affect certain communities.
Building Research Capacity and International Networks
The project enhanced research capability at Massey University through student involvement and collaboration. Master of Public Health student Hina Humayun completed her degree with first-class honours as part of the initiative, contributing to Dr Jin’s recognition with the College of Health Research Medal.
Partnerships with global expert Professor Diane L Spatz from the United States have established a sustainable platform for future large-scale studies and funding applications in human milk and lactation research.
Implications for New Zealand’s Higher Education Sector
Successes like this HRC-funded project underscore the vital role of New Zealand universities in addressing national health priorities. Massey University’s work demonstrates how academic research translates into practical guidelines that improve clinical practice and family support.
Such initiatives also create opportunities for postgraduate students and early-career researchers, fostering the next generation of health scientists equipped to tackle complex, equity-focused challenges.
Future Directions and System-Wide Change
With the activation project complete, the team is positioned to pursue larger studies and influence policy. The vision is a health system where every whānau has the resources and confidence to make feeding decisions aligned with their values, giving all infants the best possible start.
Ongoing collaboration between universities, hospitals, milk banks and communities will be essential to implement the draft guideline and monitor its impact.
Stakeholder Perspectives on the Project’s Value
Participants from clinical and community backgrounds have noted the project’s emphasis on multidisciplinary input and cultural responsiveness. Clinicians appreciate practical tools that reduce variation in care, while whānau representatives value the focus on trust and timing of conversations.
These perspectives reinforce the project’s contribution to both immediate practice improvements and longer-term research infrastructure in Aotearoa.