Zap to latch: nerve stimulation may help preemies breastfeed

NCT ID NCT06417385

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

BREASTFEEDING, EXCLUSIVE FEEDING; DIFFICULT, NEWBORN PREMATURE BIRTH

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital
RECRUITING

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

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