Tiny zaps, big hopes: nerve stimulation may help preemies breastfeed
NCT ID NCT06417385
First seen Feb 06, 2026 · Last updated Jun 24, 2026 · Updated 20 times
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve (taVNS) during breastfeeding can help premature or sick newborns learn to breastfeed more effectively. 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 at discharge.
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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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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: •••••@•••••
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 point toward a new way to help premature or sick infants breastfeed more effectively, improving their health and mother-infant bonding.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early study with only 10 infants, so results may not apply to others. The stimulation may not improve breastfeeding skills, and some infants may find it uncomfortable.
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.