Earlier use of an electric breast pump to maximize milk in preterm babies
Official title: Maximising Initial Lactation Quantities for Preterm Infants (The MILQ Prem Study) Daily Breast Milk Volume in Mothers of Preterm Born at or < 33 Weeks or VLBW 1500gm. Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Hospital Grade Double Electrical Breast Pump Expression Versus Hand Expression
Run by National Maternity Hospital, Ireland · NCT07908238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether starting a double electric breast pump earlier (at birth) helps mothers of very preterm infants produce more milk by day 14.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Maternity Hospital, Ireland Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Dublin, Co. Dublin and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07908238 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are mothers delivering infants <33 weeks gestation who are admitted to the National Maternity Hospital within 24 hours of delivery and have no contraindications to breastfeeding.
✕Probably not a fit
Mothers whose milk production is inherently limited by medical conditions or breast abnormalities may not experience a benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares two timing strategies for initiating milk expression in mothers of preterm infants under 33 weeks gestation. Participants are randomized to start using a hospital-grade double electric pump either at birth or a later time, with the main outcome being milk volume on day 14. The trial addresses challenges in lactation due to prematurity and aims to reduce reliance on donor or formula milk by improving maternal milk supply. It emphasizes standard care practices and standardized pump use across sites. The study is conducted at the National Maternity Hospital in Ireland with academic collaborators from University College Dublin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, earlier pumping could increase maternal milk volumes, potentially improving infant nutrition and reducing complications linked to inadequate milk supply.
How similar studies have gone: Prior data suggest that early initiation of lactation support can improve milk production in preterm infants, but results vary by setting and protocol.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * The infant/s are born at the National Maternity Hospital with a gestational age at birth \< 33 weeks by best obstetric estimate or with a birth weight of \< 1500g; or * The infant/s are born in another centre with a gestational age at birth \< 33 weeks by best obstetric estimate and/or with a birth weight of \< 1500g and the mother is admitted to the National Maternity Hospital within 24 hours of delivery Exclusion Criteria: * Breast milk use in the infant is contraindicated * There is breast hypoplasia on examination or recent breast surgery affecting ability to produce adequate breast milk
Where it's running
-
National Maternity Hospital
Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland Recruiting -
National Maternity Hospital
Dublin, Co. Dublin, Ireland Not yet recruiting -
National Maternity Hospital
Dublin, Co.Dublin, Ireland Suspended
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anna Curley, Consultant Neonatology — National Maternity Hospital
- Study coordinator: Anna Curley, Consultant Neonatologist
- Email: anna.curley@nmh.ie
- Phone: 003531637300
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.