Zap to latch: nerve stimulation may help preemies breastfeed
NCT ID NCT06417385
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve (taVNS) during breastfeeding can help premature or sick infants learn to breastfeed better. Ten infants in the NICU will receive taVNS paired with breastfeeding for up to 14 days. Researchers will measure milk transfer, feeding duration, and latch quality to see if this approach improves breastfeeding skills before discharge.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could help premature or sick infants breastfeed more effectively, leading to better nutrition and bonding.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early study with only 10 infants, so results may not apply to all babies. The stimulation may not improve breastfeeding skills as hoped.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital
RECRUITINGCharleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••