Peer support boosts breastfeeding in preterm infants, study finds

NCT ID NCT03156946

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

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