Objective <p>This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of dedicated lactation specialist roles and family-centered support to increase breastfeeding rate in very low birth weight infants.</p> Methods <p>A non-concurrent controlled study was conducted. VLBWIs hospitalized at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from November 2023 to November 2024 were selected as the intervention group. A dedicated team of breastfeeding nurses was established to implement the following interventions: early assessment and guidance for mothers within 12 h after neonatal NICU admission; regular communication with mothers and families to monitor maternal conditions; enhanced breast milk management via digital platforms; a nighttime breast milk reception green channel; material support; and the promotion of colostrum utilization. VLBWIs admitted between November 2022 and October 2023 were included as the conventional group for comparison.</p> Results <p>The any breastfeeding rate in the intervention group (62.4%, 118/189) was significantly higher than that in the conventional group (42.5%, 74/174). The colostrum feeding rate in the intervention group (36.5%, 69/189) was higher than that in the conventional group (19%, 33/174), and the breastfeeding rate at discharge was significantly greater in the intervention group (37%, 70/189) than in the conventional group (26.4%, 46/174) (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). The initiation time of pumped breast milk feeding in the intervention group was significantly earlier than that in the control group (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05).</p> Conclusion <p>The dual-track empowerment model, which integrates dedicated breastfeeding lactation specialists and family support, effectively improved breastfeeding rates and practices for VLBWIs. This model provides a valuable reference for clinical healthcare providers to promote breastfeeding.</p>