Maximising Maternal Milk for Preterm Infant

Maternal milk is the gold standard in infant nutrition, providing significant advantages, in preterm and term infants. Maternal milk plays a major role in reducing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease(NEC) in premature and low birth weight infants as well as improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in this population, In this study the investigators are comparing earlier (from birth rather than 48 hours post delivery) use of an electrical breast pump. Mothers will be selected at random to be in one of two groups: early or later pump use. The investigators will compare milk volumes achieved on day 14 post delivery between the two groups. The investigators will recruit x number of mothers of preterm infants \< 33 weeks gestation at birth

Inclusion criteria: * The infant/s are born at the National Maternity Hospital with a gestational age at birth \< 33 weeks by best obstetric estimate or with a birth weight of \< 1500g; or * The infant/s are born in another centre with a gestational age at birth \< 33 weeks by best obstetric estimate and/or with a birth weight of \< 1500g and the mother is admitted to the National Maternity Hospital within 24 hours of delivery Exclusion Criteria: * Breast milk use in the infant is contraindicated * There is breast hypoplasia on examination or recent breast surgery affecting ability to produce adequate breast milk