Breastmilk Donation From Women Experiencing Perinatal Loss: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.

This study is not related to acupuncture and therefore cannot be summarized as an acupuncture-relevant patient article. The research examined the psychological experiences of women who donate breastmilk after experiencing perinatal loss (such as stillbirth or neonatal death). Researchers analyzed multiple qualitative studies to understand what motivates these women to donate, what positive and negative experiences they encounter, and how donation helps them find meaning after loss. The study found that women have diverse motivations for donating, including honoring their baby's memory and helping other infants. They experienced both positive outcomes (such as feeling their loss had purpose) and negative challenges (including emotional distress and practical barriers). The findings emphasize that healthcare professionals need to provide individualized bereavement support and improve breastmilk donation programs for grieving mothers. This research does not involve acupuncture treatment, traditional Chinese medicine, or any complementary therapy modalities. It focuses solely on breastmilk donation as a bereavement intervention following perinatal loss. For patients interested in acupuncture support during grief, fertility challenges, or postpartum care, it is important to consult with a qualified, licensed acupuncturist.

This qualitative meta-synthesis is not relevant to acupuncture practice. The study systematically reviewed qualitative research on breastmilk donation experiences among women who experienced perinatal loss. Researchers searched nine databases through March 2024, synthesizing findings into five themes: diverse donation motivations, positive experiences, negative experiences, facilitators and barriers, and meaning reconstruction after loss. The methodology employed meta-synthesis of qualitative empirical studies. No sample size, effect size, or clinical measurements were reported as this was a qualitative synthesis rather than a clinical trial (Registration: CRD42024508866). The clinical takeaway emphasizes individualized bereavement support for women donating breastmilk after perinatal loss. This research does not address acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, or any integrative therapies and provides no clinical guidance for acupuncture practitioners.