Exploring Digital Tools for Donor Mothers: Understanding Human Milk Donation & Milk Banking Challenges

Abstract: Premature newborns’ medical need for donor human milk surpasses the supply and the demand for it continues to increase. Lactating mothers with a surplus can help fill the gap and give fragile infants a better chance to grow by donating breast milk. This thesis project examines challenges in the human milk donation process and observes general milk donation operations. It seeks to answer what kind of tools and support are needed to streamline the human milk donation process for lactating mothers who voluntarily donate their extra milk supply. Looking closely at information and communication technologies, the project notes design implications for the development of donor-supported digital tools. Through a user-centered design approach, qualitative interview strategies, and feedback from a milk bank, mockups of a digital waiting room were created to provide informational and social support for donor mothers.