Another really important reason to give breast milk to preterm babies

Preterm babies fed at least 50% breast milk had more brain tissue and cortical surface area. Photo: AFP/Shutterstock

A study has found another potential benefit of breastfeeding.

Aside from its nutritional virtues, breast milk has been found to favour more robust brain growth in premature babies. Positive effects were seen in preterm babies fed a daily diet of at least 50% breast milk. The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in Baltimore, Maryland, US.