A major study has found that babies born between eight to ten weeks early can be fed with milk through a tube in their stomach straight after birth rather than being given intravenous feeds through a drip.

The findings of the FEED1 trial will mean babies won’t have to be subjected to as many painful medical procedures, such as having lines put in their veins to give them nutrition.

Professor Shalini Ojha, Professor Neonatal Medicine at the University of Nottingham, Honorary Consultant Neonatologist at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) NHS Foundation Trust, and lead investigator said: “The FEED1 trial answers important questions for the care of preterm babies – the results mean babies born eight-ten weeks early can be milk fed from the start, will not need intravenous nutrition, and will likely spend less time in intensive care.

“They can be cared for in special care where families can be more involved and supported to establish breastfeeding. We are extremely grateful to the families who participated in the trial.”

A new survey-based study from Northwestern University, which examined the diets of parents across every Chicago neighborhood, found that parental intake of omega-3 fatty acids falls below recommended levels, with women consuming even lower amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than men. This deficiency may have direct negative effects on children’s health.