Sodium Awareness for Premature Birth

(SALT Trial)

This trial explores a new method for parents of premature babies to check sodium levels in breast milk using simple, point-of-care devices. A drop in sodium can indicate efficient breast milk production, crucial for feeding preterm infants. The trial aims to determine if parents can easily and effectively perform this test themselves within the first two weeks after birth. It suits parents with a preterm baby in the NICU who plan to use a breast pump for at least two weeks. As an unphased trial, this study offers parents the chance to contribute to innovative research that could simplify and improve care for preterm infants.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does mention that using hormonal birth control in the first 14 days postpartum is not allowed. If you are on hormonal birth control, you may need to stop it for this trial.

Research has shown that using point-of-care (POC) meters to test sodium levels in breastmilk is safe and practical. This method helps parents of premature babies monitor sodium levels, indicating healthy milk production. Studies indicate that early nutrition for preterm infants, including monitoring and adjusting milk, can prevent growth problems and improve long-term health. Testing breastmilk in this manner has shown no negative effects. The focus is on teaching parents to use these meters, a process that has been well-received and easy to manage.¹²³⁴⁵

Unlike traditional treatments for managing sodium levels in premature infants, which typically involve hospital-based interventions and monitoring, the Parent-led Parent Milk Sodium Testing approach empowers parents to test and manage sodium levels in breast milk themselves. This method is unique because it shifts the focus from clinical settings to home-based care, potentially allowing for more immediate and personalized adjustments to an infant's nutritional needs. Researchers are excited about this approach because it could lead to more proactive and tailored care for premature babies, potentially improving their growth and development outcomes by ensuring optimal sodium intake.

Research has shown that checking sodium levels in breast milk can help predict how well mothers of premature babies will produce milk. One study found that a key step in starting milk production is linked to these sodium levels. Lower sodium levels in breast milk suggest that milk production is progressing well. This information can help mothers adjust their pumping routines to boost milk supply. Using a mother's milk is crucial because it protects against serious conditions like necrotising enterocolitis, a severe intestinal disease, and supports the baby's overall health.²⁶⁷⁸⁹