Australian Study Shows Donated Breast Milk Reduces NEC by 38%

A recent study published in the *Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health* reports a 38 % reduction in the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among very premature infants who received donated breast milk from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. NEC, a life‑threatening gut disease that can rapidly progress to sepsis and death, has long been a major concern for neonates born before 32 weeks of gestation.

This research is the first Australian investigation to evaluate both the benefits and potential risks of donated breast milk for infants born at less than 32 weeks. By analysing data from a national cohort of very preterm babies, the study demonstrates that exposure to donor milk significantly lowers NEC rates, while also monitoring for adverse events. The findings underscore the protective role of human milk components—such as immunoglobulins, growth factors and beneficial microbes—in fortifying the immature gut of preterm infants.

The results suggest that expanding the use of screened donor breast milk could become a standard component of neonatal intensive care protocols, potentially improving survival and long‑term outcomes for the most vulnerable newborns. Further research will be needed to confirm these benefits across diverse settings and to refine guidelines for donor milk use in preterm populations.