A UK trial finds that babies born eight to ten weeks early can safely receive milk feeds through a tube from birth instead of IV nutrition.
The FEED1 trial, conducted by a group of scientists in the UK, has discovered that infants born eight to ten weeks prematurely could safely be administered milk via a tube in their stomach immediately upon birth rather than through an intravenous (IV) drip. Thousands of premature babies would be spared painful surgeries and have an easier time connecting with their families with this change (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Babies born eight to ten weeks early can be safely milk fed without risk of gut complications, finds a new study
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No More Feeding Through IVs For Preemies
Usually, preemies have been fed through IV due to the fear of a grave bowel ailment known as Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC). Nevertheless, the latest discoveries in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health reveal that infants fed early milk do not have a higher chance of developing NEC and infections.
Infants who were given full milk feeds at birth had less medical intervention and a shorter period in intensive care and no additional risks of low blood sugar or any other complication.
Families Can Be More Involved
The findings suggest that preterm babies can be treated in special care rather than in the intensive care areas where parents are less involved and trained to support their babies’ breastfeeding, as the University of Nottingham lead investigator Professor Shalini Ojha explains. This will enable the bonding of the family more and a less stressful beginning to life for both babies and the parents.
Changing Care for the Better
The FEED1 trial involved more than 2,000 infants in 46 NHS hospitals in the period between 2019 and 2024. It received a grant from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and was sponsored by Bliss, the largest charity in the United Kingdom, which deals with premature and sick infants. The best care and fewer invasive procedures are now available to babies born after 30 weeks, which researchers believe will help shape future prevention and care guidelines in neonatal care.
A Step Toward Kinder Neonatal Care
This groundbreaking research is revolutionising the way preterm infants are treated. study. By demonstrating that early milk feeding is safe and effective, it gives parents and doctors the assurance that they can employ a more nurturing and natural approach to guarantee that babies grow stronger while staying with their family.
“Every gentle touch, every feed, and every moment counts. The FEED1 trial brings us one step closer to making early life care as kind and family-centred as it should be.”
References:
- Babies born eight to ten weeks early can be safely milk fed without risk of gut complications, finds a new study – (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/babies-born-eight-to-ten-weeks-early-can-be-safely-milk-fed-without-risk-of-gut-complications-finds-a-new-study)
Source-University of Nottingham