AI Insight
Research published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health found that donated breast milk from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood reduced the rate of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal disease, by 38% in very premature babies born before 32 weeks gestation. This is the first Australian study to systematically examine both the benefits and risks of donor breast milk for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
This finding provides evidence supporting the use of donor breast milk programs for premature infants when maternal milk is unavailable, potentially saving lives and reducing serious complications in neonatal intensive care units. The substantial reduction in NEC rates could inform clinical practice guidelines and health policy decisions regarding breast milk banking programs.
Understand the Science
The rate of a life-threatening gut disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has decreased by 38% in very premature babies who received donated breast milk from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, according to research published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. The study is the first in Australia to look at the benefits and risks of donated breast milk for very preterm babies born less than 32 weeks.