Breastfeeding Builds Babies Immune System and Prevents Illness

Breastfeeding Builds Babies Immune System and Prevents Illness

Did you know your baby receives antibodies and good bacteria (popularly referred to as probiotics) from you during pregnancy and birth? As you grow your sweet babe, you are also growing her gut, which makes up nearly 80% of her immune system.

 

According to current research, her immune system will continue developing until she is five or six years old. No wonder the World Health Organization recommends nursing “until two years and beyond!” The passing of antibodies from mother to baby does not stop at birth—breastmilk is full of them!

 

Breastfeeding builds babies immune system

 

Please Don’t Kiss the Baby, Unless You’re Her Mama

Without diving too deep into the science, the role antibodies play in the overall composition of breastmilk really is incredible. A human makes antibodies to a threat they encounter in their environment, and since ideally a newborn baby is with her mother nearly all of the time, that means the baby takes in the exact antibodies she needs to ward off any potential infection or illness.

 

So, you know that overwhelming urge you have to smell and kiss the top of your baby’s head? It’s a natural protective mechanism, mama bear! When you take in whatever harmful bacteria your infant may have been exposed to, you are filling your milk with exactly what she needs to prevent actually contracting the illness.

 

Breastfeeding builds babies immune system

Healing and Sealing the Gut and Developing the Microbiome

When your baby was first born, you probably noticed the first milk you made wasn’t very milk-like at all but instead more like thick, sticky water. This is called colostrum, and it plays a vital role in the process of sealing your infant’s gut lining, which keeps unwanted pathogens and food particles from making their way into places they shouldn't be. Your milk is medicinal from that very first latch!

 

Breastfeeding builds babies immune system

 

Put Your Breastmilk On It

Clogged tear duct? Scratch on face? Sore ear? If you’ve been a part of a breastfeeding community like La Leche League, you’ve probably heard, “Put your milk on it,” more than once. While it may sound kind of weird to the general public, it makes sense! As we discussed above, your breastmilk is full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that can be used as remedies both internally and externally! 

 

 

breastfeeding builds babies immune system

Breastfeeding Protects from Illness

Because a mother makes antibodies specific to her environment and these antibodies go straight into her milk, nursing on demand (which typically means incredibly often in those first few months!) is the very best thing a mama can do to protect her infant from coming down with whatever illness is going around.


This goes for when a breastfeeding mama is sick, too! There is a common belief that a mother with a cold or the flu should stop nursing until she is better, but the opposite is actually true. Baby is likely already exposed before her mama began showing symptoms of illness, and breastfeeding will fill her gut with the exact antibodies she needs to fight off the bug. 

 

 

breastfeeding builds babies immune system

 

 



Your body is amazing, mama. Nurse on and let breastfeeding build babies immune system and prevent illness! Remember to breastmilk is medicinal and to let your love and your milk flow!

 

breastfeeding builds babies immune system, herbal kit for children's cold and flu symptoms

 

 

🌿Want More?!? Check These Out! 🌿
Breastfeeding Immediately After Birth
7 Tips for Breastfeeding Success
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Guide 
Breastfeeding 101- Best Breastfeeding Practices
Four Healthy Habits to Start on Your Baby’s First Day
 8 Things I Wish I Knew About Breastfeeding Before Giving Birth!


How to Treat Clogged Milk Ducts and Prevent Mastitis.
Why Do I Have a Low Milk Supply?
How to Increase Your Breastmilk Supply Quickly
Treating Nipple Thrush Naturally
How to Heal Sore Nipples from Breastfeeding
How to Achieve A Proper Breastfeeding Latch

Herbs To Avoid While Breastfeeding
Benefits of Fenugreek for Breastfeeding
Safe Herbs for Breastfeeding With A Cold
Breastfeeding While Sick


The First Few Weeks of Breastfeeding
Best Baby Carriers for Breastfeeding
Four Common Breastfeeding Problems and Solutions
Three Lactation Problems and How to Solve Them
Three Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

How to Include Your Partner While Breastfeeding


How Often Should I Breastfeed?
How to Wake a Sleepy Newborn to Breastfeed
Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Normal Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies
 4 Signs Your Baby is Having a Growth Spurt


Breastfeeding A Baby with Tongue or Lip Tie

Breastfeeding After a Cesarean Section

Breastfeeding in Special Circumstances
Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples

    Breastfeeding a Pre-Term Baby
    Tandem Breastfeeding
    Breastfeeding Twins


    Do I Need A Breast Pump?
    Pumping Breast Milk to Return to Work


    Breastfeeding Nutrition
    Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding
    How to Know If You’re Dehydrated While Nursing
    Breastfeeding Boosts Babies' Immune Systems and Prevents Illness


    Breastfeeding Saves Sleep
    Safe Co Sleeping with Your Baby


    Tips for Breastfeeding While Pregnant
    Breastfeeding in Public
    Breastfeeding and Sex
    Breastfeeding and Birth Control
     The Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Menstruation
    When Will My Menstrual Cycle Return After Having a Baby


    Five Benefits to Extended Breastfeeding
    How Breastfeeding Changes As Baby Grows
    Five Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby After Six Months
    Weaning Gently and Intuitively


    Is CBD Oil Safe for Breastfeeding and Lactation?
    Can I Drink Alcohol and Breastfeed?
    How My Breastfeeding Failure Was My Biggest Win
    Common Holiday Breastfeeding Issues and How to Prevent Them!
    Re-Lactation and Induced Lactation: Breastfeeding After a Break or When You Never Have
     
     
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    Breastfeeding 101- how to breastfeed, Breastfeeding builds babies immune system




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