Table 2. Main themes and subthemes.

Global themes	Main themes	Sub themes
Knowledge about breast milk donor banking	Knowledge	• Knowledge on breastmilk donor banking
Perception of Health workers regarding breastfeeding and breast milk donor banking	Safety of breastmilk	• Fear of transmission of diseases such as HIV • Fear of transmitting hereditary traits to infants
	Challenges and concern	• Low patronage • Reluctance of mothers to donate • Storage of breastmilk • Risk of infections • Funding • Sustainability
	Benefits of breastmilk	• Breast milk bank is beneficial • Reduction of infant mortality • Protection against diseases
	Cultural, ethics and religious considerations	• Activities of some religious and traditional leaders • Regulations of certain Christian churches • The practice is ethical
	The use of infant formulas against breastmilk from a breastmilk bank (Pre NAN etc.)	• Cost • Preparation for use • Risks for infants • Health benefits
Acceptability of breastmilk donor banking among health workers	Affective Attitude	• Excitement • Happy
	Opportunity cost	• Loss of bond, attachment •
	Intervention coherence	• Participants’ understanding of its operation
	Perceived effectiveness	• Willingness to donate/ reluctance to donate breastmilk • Willingness to use donated donor breastmilk for feeding their infant
	Things that need to be put in place before implementation	• Education • Provision of qualified personnel • Motivations • Stakeholders involvement