Pumping schedule to boost breast milk for parents of very preterm infants

Pumping to Up Maternal Milk Production for Preterms (PUMMPP)

Not applicable Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT06673160

This will test whether pumping every 2 hours or every 3 hours helps parents of very preterm infants produce more breast milk during the baby’s first 28 days.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 28 Days
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT06673160 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Mothers of very preterm infants (born <32 weeks gestation or <1500 g) are assigned to follow either a 2-hour or a 3-hour pumping schedule after delivery. Participants record the volume of breastmilk they produce each day for the first 28 days of the infant's life. The study compares daily milk output between the two schedules to determine whether more frequent pumping increases supply. The trial is conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and includes infants born there or transferred to the facility within 48 hours of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Parents who gave birth to or are caring for infants born before 32 weeks gestation or under 1500 grams who can pump and provide legal consent are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Parents who are critically ill, under 18, or whose infants have terminal conditions, major congenital anomalies, or chromosomal disorders may not be eligible or receive benefit from the assigned pumping schedules.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, a specific pumping schedule could help parents of very preterm infants increase milk supply and provide more breastmilk for their babies.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research suggests that more frequent early pumping can help increase milk supply, but the optimal interval specifically for parents of very preterm infants is not well established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Inborn infants \<32 weeks gestation
* Out-born infants transferred to our facility \<48hours of life
* Infants \<1500 grams at birth
* Infants whose parents/ guardians have provided legal consent for study participation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infants with birthing persons' that are severe/critically ill
* Birthing persons of infants \<18 years old
* Infants with terminal illness or decision to withhold or limit support
* infants with major congenital anomalies, chromosomal disorders, or congenital infections

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions BreastfeedingBreastmilk Expressionbreastmilk supply in preterm infantbreastfeeding preterm infants
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.