Will feeding my preterm baby full milk from birth lower hospital costs?
If your baby is born preterm (before 37 weeks), you may wonder whether starting full milk feeds right away instead of using intravenous fluids could save money on hospital care. A large trial found that full milk feeds from birth did not reduce how long babies stayed in the hospital, but they did lower overall costs by about £670 per infant 4. This means that for some families and hospitals, this approach could be a cost-saving option without affecting the length of the hospital stay.
What the research says
A 2024 randomized trial involving over 2,000 preterm infants born at 30 to 32 weeks' gestation compared two feeding approaches: full milk feeds from birth versus gradual feeding with intravenous fluids 4. The study found no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups (difference of only -0.05 days) 4. However, the total costs from birth to 6 weeks' corrected age were about £670 lower in the full milk group, though this difference was not statistically significant 4. Subgroup analyses suggested that cost savings might be greater for infants born at 30 weeks' gestation or those with a birth weight below the 10th percentile 4.
Other research highlights the importance of breast milk for preterm infants. A meta-analysis found that donated breast milk reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (a serious gut infection) and shortens the time needed for intravenous nutrition compared to formula 11. Another study showed that higher volumes of maternal milk during the hospital stay are linked to better cognitive and academic outcomes at age 7 10. These benefits may contribute to lower long-term healthcare costs, though the trial on full milk feeds did not measure these outcomes 4.
It is important to note that the trial focused on a specific group of preterm infants (30-32 weeks) in UK hospitals 4. Results may differ for more premature babies or in other healthcare settings. The study also did not look at long-term costs beyond 6 weeks corrected age 4.
What to ask your doctor
- Is my baby a good candidate for starting full milk feeds from birth, given their gestational age and health?
- What are the potential risks and benefits of full milk feeds versus gradual feeding with IV fluids for my baby?
- How will my baby's feeding plan be monitored to ensure they are getting enough nutrition?
- If I cannot provide enough breast milk, what are the options for donor milk or formula, and how do they affect costs and outcomes?
- Can you help me understand the potential cost savings of full milk feeds for our specific situation?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Pediatrics and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.