MILQprem

The MILQprem Research Project: Maximising Initial Lactation Quantities for Preterm Babies 

For babies born too soon, every drop of breast milk matters. It helps protect against serious complications and gives vulnerable newborns the best possible start in life. Yet for many mothers, especially after an early or unexpected delivery, establishing a strong milk supply can be incredibly challenging.

That’s where the MILQprem research project comes in.

This important study is exploring whether starting expression with a hospital-grade electric breast pump as soon as after birth rather than waiting up to 48 hours, can help mothers build their milk supply sooner.

Focusing on premature babies born under 33 weeks or weighing less than 1500g, the research aims to understand whether earlier support can make a meaningful difference in helping mothers reach vital milk volumes more quickly.

At its heart, this project is about more than clinical outcomes. It’s about supporting families during one of the most emotional and uncertain times of their lives. Through compassionate care, expert guidance, and practical tools like a Breast Milk Diary, parents are supported every step of the way.

We are inspired by the dedication of our research team (pictured below), whose work is helping to shape better outcomes for our smallest patients and their families.

The NMH Foundation is proud to support this research, made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters.