Peer support boosts breastfeeding in preterm infants, study finds

NCT ID NCT03156946

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Hospices Civils de Lyon Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether trained mothers who breastfed their own preterm babies could help other mothers of preterm infants breastfeed longer. Over 1,700 mother-infant pairs in European NICUs received either usual care or additional peer counseling during hospitalization and up to one month after discharge. The goal was to see if this support improved breastfeeding rates, infant health, and maternal well-being.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: breastfeeding mother-to-mother support
What this could lead to: If effective, this program could increase breastfeeding rates among preterm infants, leading to better health and development outcomes.
What could go wrong: The study is completed but results may not apply to all settings. Peer support effectiveness can vary, and the trial's stepped-wedge design has inherent limitations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Breast Feeding Premature Birth

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

INFANT, PREMATURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

CH Lyon Sud

Pierre-Bénite, France
CHC Clinique St-Vincent

Rocourt, Belgium
CHU de Grenoble

Grenoble, France
CHU site Félix Guyon

Saint-Denis, Réunion, 97400, France
CHU vaudois

Lausanne, Switzerland
Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant

Bron, France
Hôpital Nord Ouest - Villefranche

Gleizé, France
Hôpital des Enfants

Toulouse, France

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