This project, 2025-1-RO01-KA220-ADU-000358632, is Co-founded by the European Union. Nurturing the Future by Empowering Prospective Mothers aims to address several needs related to breastfeeding and breast milk donation across different cultural, social, and healthcare contexts. First, there is a need to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and the benefits of breast milk donation, as many women still face challenges in accessing information or support on these topics.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only 43% of infants worldwide are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, far
below the global target of 50% by 2025. These challenges are particularly evident in communities where traditional practices, lack of education, and healthcare infrastructure hinder the promotion of breastfeeding and milk donation.

Second, there is a need for comprehensive, easily accessible educational resources that provide prospective mothers, parents, and healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and milk donation. A study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) showed that 70% of mothers feel they did not receive sufficient information on breastfeeding, and 50% of women do not feel adequately supported in their breastfeeding journey.

Many women and families are not equipped with the right information or confidence to make breastfeeding decisions, and the lack of structured support systems, such as milk donation programs, creates barriers for those in need.

Third, the project addresses the need for the establishment and management of breast milk donation banks, as these vital services are still underdeveloped in many regions. Only 17 EU countries have functional breast milk banks, with significant disparities between member states. There is a need for a practical guide that outlines clear steps for setting up and managing milk banks, including infrastructure, safety protocols, and processes that can ensure the sustainability of these services.

The European Milk Bank Association (EMBA) estimates that breast milk donation could save up to 1,000 infants per year, yet only a fraction of potential donors are tapped into due to the lack of awareness and infrastructure.

Lastly, there is a need for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration to understand the unique challenges faced by different communities. The project aims to bridge these gaps by bringing together partners from Romania, Turkey, Italy, and Greece to share knowledge and best practices. This collaboration will foster a deeper understanding of cultural and healthcare differences, ensuring that the project’s activities are tailored to meet the specific needs of each community while contributing to broader EU health objectives. These countries also represent diverse breastfeeding rates, with Italy having a high breastfeeding rate (over 80%), while others like Romania and Turkey face challenges with lower rates, making this project
essential to addressing those gaps.