Donor milk also helps decrease the possibility of necrotizing enterocolitis, a potentially life-threatening infection that can affect the intestines of preemies.

Across all hospitals, more moms started breast-feeding over the study period and the rate of necrotizing enterocolitis dropped by about half, the study found.

Babies born prematurely especially benefit from breast milk, which lowers their risk of infections, especially necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious intestinal disease.