Introduction: Breast milk represents the gold standard of newborn nutrition as it contains all the nutrients necessary for infant growth and development. In cases where breast milk is unavailable, it is recomended to use donor human milk. Human milk banks are responsible for regulated exchange of human milk. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of informal human milk sharing in Slovenia and to determine the attitudes of postpartum women toward this practice. Methods: In theoretical part of the thesis, a descriptive research method was used, while the empirical part employed a quantitative reaserch method. Data were collected using an online questionnarire, which was active from 12. 2. 2026 to 12. 3. 2026. Results: A total of 423 women participated in the study. We found that informal human milk sharing is rare in Slovenia. Donation was most often associated with altruism and a surplus of milk, while receiving was linked to a lack of one’s own milk and a desire to provide the child with natural nutrition. Exchanges took place primarily through social media and friends. Most participants believed that the exchange of human milk should be regulated and expressed a preference for milk from a human milk bank. The results revealed a lack of awareness among donors and recipients regarding the potential transmission of infections and other substances through breast milk. Discussion and conclusion: Althrough informal human milk sharing is not common in Slovenia, it represents an important alternative form of breastfeeding support. Key challenges remain safety, trust and user awarness. Further development of the human milk bank system, improved logistical support for donors, and stronger health counselling on the safe use of donor milk would be beneficial.
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