Action Medical Research is giving new hope to the parents of up to 2,000 very high-risk babies each year - those that have had to be delivered too early and are very small.
Pregnancy complications
Pregnancy complications sometimes cause babies to suffer from a condition known as 'intra-uterine growth restriction' - which means that they have not grown as expected.
For some premature babies, their digestive system is so immature that it has not had the chance to develop fully.
This condition can put both mother and baby at risk and, if a special ultrasound technique shows problems with the baby's blood flow, sometimes the only answer is to deliver the baby early.
Immature digestive system
It is vital that these tiny babies have the right nutrition to grow but for some their digestive system is so immature that it has not had the chance to develop fully.
In these cases milk can actually irritate their intestines causing a potentially fatal inflammatory condition called necrotising enterocolitis and milk feeds have to be delayed.
A new national study, supported by Action Medical Research, is to look at this problem in detail to try and establish the best and safest time for these tiny babies to begin milk feeds.
It is hoped that the study, funded by the Charity's Touching Tiny Lives campaign, will help up to 2,000 high-risk preterm babies each year. Protecting these babies from necrotising enterocolitis will save them from having to undergo major surgery within the first few days or weeks of life.
Cameron's story
Claire Shearer holding baby Cameron
Claire Shearer from Paisley near Glasgow, whose baby Cameron died at just five months old said, "When Cameron was three weeks old the doctors discovered that he had necrotising enterocolitis.
"This is something that happens to very early babies whose gut hasn't had the chance to develop properly. Basically their systems are so immature that their feeds cause an infection, which then eats away at the bowel."
At only five weeks old and weighing just 2lb 4oz Cameron underwent major surgery to remove a section of his bowel.
Sadly, despite overcoming the odds to beat necrotising enterocolitis. Cameron died following further complications as a result of the surgery.
"Without a doubt, mother's milk is the best food that a baby can have. However in some circumstances . where the baby is premature and has suffered intra-uterine growth restriction . their digestive systems are not able to cope with milk very well.
"The alternative is to feed premature babies using a drip but this in itself can cause problems as long term use of intravenous nutrition can lead to infections, jaundice and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
"We want to find the right balance so that these very young babies receive the essential nutrients that milk provides but at the point at which they can cope with it.
"This crucial study will allow a clearer picture of when milk can be most safely and effectively introduced and therefore provide guidelines for neonatal units across the country."
Dr Alison Leaf from Southmead Hospital in Bristol, who is heading up the research team
