Background:

Breast milk has many good qualities and recommendations declare that breast milk alone is the most favorable choice for newborn babies up to six months of age. When the mother can´t provide her own breast milk for her baby, donor milk is a valuable source. Unfortunately the demand is often higher than the supply and thereby milk banks suffer from shortages. Aim: Highlighting women's experiences of being milk donors. Method: The study has been conducted as a literature review in which existing research has been used. Results: A common reason why women donate breast milk is that they have a surplus of breast milk. Milk donors are empathetic and have an altruistic attitude toward milk donation. Women who donate breastmilk value good support from both family and professionals. Knowledge about milk donation and need of breastmilk is motivating for women. Some women who encountered difficulties chose to donate directly to needy families instead of to the milk bank. Conclusion: Lack of information and knowledge are barriers to donation. Nurses should have a good knowledge of the donation process from the woman's perspective and experiences, in order to meet women's needs for information, counseling, care and support. Strive should be to as far as possible facilitate the woman during the donation.