Could a few drops of milk help preterm Babies' brains?

NCT ID NCT06230848

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Loyola University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tested whether giving very small amounts of human milk by mouth to preterm infants (born 22-34 weeks) starting at 3 days old is practical and acceptable. 14 babies received up to 1 mL of milk after each care session until they could feed on their own. The study measured how often the milk was given, parent satisfaction, and early signs of development. The goal is to see if this simple method might reduce stress and improve outcomes for premature babies.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: human milk (mother's own or donor)
What this could lead to: If this approach works, it could lead to a simple, low-cost way to support brain development and reduce stress in premature babies.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 14 babies, so results may not apply to all preterm infants. The main goal is just to see if the method is practical, not to prove it works.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

INFANT DEVELOPMENT STRESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Loyola University Chicago

Maywood, Illinois, 60153, United States

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