Breast Milk Donation After Perinatal Loss: A Qualitative Exploration of Maternal Grief and Healing Among Israeli Arab Women and the Islamic Legal-Ethical Perspectives: A Qualitative Research Study

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: After perinatal loss, namely stillbirth and neonatal death, many bereaved mothers continue to produce breast milk, facing the decision as to whether to suppress lactation or donate their milk. Our aims were to explore the experiences and views of Muslim mothers who had donated their breast milk following perinatal loss and examine the Islamic legal-ethical perspectives relating to milk donation. This research explores how milk donation serves as a coping mechanism and how Islamic teachings frame its permissibility and ethical considerations. <b>Methods</b>: A qualitative research methodology was employed, using a Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Nine bereaved Muslim mothers who had donated their breast milk and three Islamic religious scholars (an Imam, a Mufti, and a Muslim jurist) participated in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis identified recurring patterns and insights. <b>Results</b>: Our findings revealed that mothers experienced milk donation as a coping mechanism, allowing them to maintain a symbolic connection with their lost child while contributing to other infants' survival. Religious scholars who we interviewed agreed that milk donation is permissible in Islam, provided that milk kinship (<i>rida'a</i>) regulations are observed. Mothers reported a strong need for structured support from healthcare providers and religious leaders in order to assist in the informed decision-making process. <b>Conclusions</b>: Breast milk donation after perinatal loss aids in grief management for bereaved mothers while benefiting vulnerable infants. Healthcare providers should offer comprehensive lactation counseling for bereaved mothers, including milk donation options. Milk banks should implement processes in alignment with <i>rida'a</i> guidelines. Improving support systems for bereaved mothers can alleviate their grieving process while ensuring alignment with cultural and religious norms.