Breast milk versus formula for babies with intestinal birth differences

This trial is testing whether feeding newborns with intestinal birth differences an exclusive human milk diet (using the mother's own milk or donated breast milk when the mother's milk is not available) helps them recover better and reach full feeding faster compared to standard feeding practices that mix breast milk, donor milk, and formula. Researchers want to understand how different feeding sources affect both the baby's ability to feed and the healthy bacteria growing in their gut.

Babies born with conditions like gastroschisis or Hirschsprung disease often need surgery and have difficulty tolerating feeds. Doctors want to know if using only breast milk—which may be gentler on the baby's digestive system—helps these babies start eating normally sooner and develop a healthier gut than the current mixed feeding approach.