Though infant formula is a common solution when a mother’s milk is not available or is in short supply, it can be harder to digest and lead to complications like feeding intolerance, increased need for IV fluids and interrupt the establishment of breastfeeding.

An emerging alternative is pasteurised donor human milk (donor milk), which is gentler on preterm babies’ digestive systems and could help them transition to breastfeeding more quickly, reducing their time in the hospital after birth.

Led by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, the GIFT Trial is currently recruiting more than 2,000 babies to research whether
donor milk should be the preferred option for preterm babies born between 32 and 36 weeks (known as moderate-late preterm) when there isn’t enough maternal breast milk available, gathering crucial data that could transform neonatal care in Australia.

What is the GIFT Trial?

The GIFT Trial is a large-scale research study investigating the health and economic benefits of using donor milk for babies born moderately late preterm when their mother’s own milk is not available or in short supply. The trial will assess whether donor milk can reduce feeding problems, decrease hospital stays, and support better growth and development in these babies.

What is donor milk?

Donor milk is human breast milk donated by other mothers, which is pasteurised (heat treated) to kill any bacteria or viruses, making it safe for preterm babies. Donor milk is commonly used for babies born before 32 weeks, as their health risks are higher, and the benefits of donor milk are well established for this group. The GIFT Trial is assessing expanding its use to moderate and late preterm babies.

Why is this study important?

When extra milk is needed, donor milk may be better than the current alternatives, but its benefits for moderate and late preterm infants have not been studied extensively. The GIFT Trial will help determine whether donor milk should be made available to all preterm infants, not just those born before 32 weeks.

How is donor milk screened?

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, which supplies the donor milk, follows a strict screening process for donors, similar to that for blood donations. Donors are tested for infectious diseases, and their health and lifestyle are assessed to ensure the safety of the milk.

Who can participate in the GIFT Trial?

The trial is open to babies during their stay in a hospital neonatal unit who are born between 32 and 36 weeks gestation, less than four days old and need more milk than their mother can provide.

Where is the GIFT Trial taking place?

The trial is being conducted at seven hospitals, including the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Lyell McEwin and Flinders Medical Centre in South Australia, as well as other hospitals in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia.

How are participants selected for the GIFT Trial?

Parents are informed about the trial during their baby’s admission to the neonatal unit. Nurses in participating hospitals evaluate if babies meet the eligibility criteria and need extra milk.

What is involved in the study?

If a baby is eligible and the parents agree to participate, the baby will be randomly assigned to receive either donor milk or formula when they need extra milk. The healthcare team will closely monitor the baby’s feeding progress and overall health.

How long does the study last?

The study will follow the baby during their stay in the hospital and up to 18 months of age.

How long will the trial take to complete?

The research component is expected to run over five years. Results from the trial will be published once all the data has been collected and analysed, helping to inform future care practices for preterm infants.

How does the trial support breastfeeding?

The GIFT Trial is designed to support breastfeeding by using donor milk only when a mother’s milk supply is insufficient. The goal is to give babies the best possible start while helping mothers establish their own milk supply. Breastfeeding will continue to be encouraged, with healthcare teams providing support to ensure a smooth transition to exclusive breastfeeding once it is possible.

Does it cost anything to participate?

No, all milk is provided at no cost to participants. Milk is only provided during the time the baby is admitted to the hospital neonatal unit.

What are the benefits of participating?

Participating contributes to helping us answer important research questions that could improve care for preterm babies in the future.

For more details, you can contact the research team: 

0459 811 712 or gift@sahmri.com

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