Boosting Baby's Immunity: Expert Insights on Power of Breastfeeding

  •   Wed, Aug 07 2024
  •   By Dr Soundarya M

August 7, 2024

Breast milk is the best food for an infant from birth, and its benefits for a newborn's immune system are well-documented. A baby emerges from a completely sterile and infection-free environment into a world filled with various organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Compounding this challenge is the fact that a newborn’s immune system is still developing, making them highly susceptible to infections. Here’s how breastfeeding helps boost a baby’s immunity:

Early Initiation of Breastfeeding

Initiating breastfeeding within the first 30 minutes of birth is crucial. During this time, the mother’s milk, particularly colostrum, is rich in antibodies like secretory IgA (Immunoglobulin A). This antibody coats the baby’s gastrointestinal tract, binding to pathogens and preventing them from entering the baby’s body. Additionally, other antibodies like IgG and IgM are present in breast milk, entering the baby’s bloodstream and helping to neutralize bacteria and viruses.

Probiotic Compounds in Breast Milk

Breast milk contains human milk oligosaccharides, also known as the Bifidus factor. These specific probiotic compounds promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria, in the baby’s gut. This helps protect against long-term diseases like allergies, asthma, and obesity, laying the foundation for a healthy gut microbiome, which is typically more robust than that of formula-fed infants.

Immune Cells and Bioactive Molecules

Breast milk is rich in both immune and non-immune cells, as well as bioactive molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, lipids, hormones, and enzymes. These components play significant roles in disease protection and shaping the immune system. Cells like lymphocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes help develop the baby’s immune system and prevent long-term diseases and obesity. For instance, Lactoferrin, a key bioactive component in breast milk, aids in iron absorption and prevents iron-dependent bacteria from colonizing the infant’s gut.

Maternal Antibodies and Immune Tolerance

Maternal antibodies, non-inherited maternal antigens, and maternal leukocytes pass through the baby’s digestive system and enter the bloodstream during breastfeeding. This process, known as maternal microchimerism, helps generate immune tolerance. Breast milk also contains microbiota, mRNA, and exosomes, which contribute to immune maturity by promoting T-cell accumulation in the baby’s gut, thereby preventing infections.

Influence of Maternal Health and Diet

The health and diet of the mother significantly influence the quality of breast milk. Factors such as body weight, age, lifestyle, and nutrition affect the lipid species, microbiota, cytokines, and immune cell types in breast milk. A high-fat, carbohydrate-rich diet can disrupt the microbiota composition, promoting pathological bacteria. In contrast, a diet high in fiber, protein, and moderate in carbohydrates fosters a healthy microbiota, such as lactobacilli, in the infant’s gut.

Long-Term Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding provides ideal protection from environmental organisms until the baby’s immune system matures. This is why health experts recommend breastfeeding from birth until at least two years of age. The unique composition of breast milk ensures that infants receive the best possible start in life, with a strong foundation for a healthy immune system.

In conclusion, breastfeeding is a powerful tool for boosting a baby’s immunity. The benefits extend beyond mere nourishment, offering significant protection against infections and aiding in the development of a robust immune system. By providing essential nutrients, antibodies, and other immune-boosting components, breast milk plays a crucial role in safeguarding a baby’s health and ensuring optimal growth and development.

 

 

 
By Dr Soundarya M
Dr Soundarya M is Consultant Pediatrics at KMC Hospital, Mangaluru.
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Comment on this article

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai-Mangalauru

    Fri, Aug 09 2024

    Doc; very informative article, for to be mother's, on the absolute importance of breast feeding on the baby's health! I would also like to add here:: that breastfeeding is a very important factor to reduce the chances of getting breast cancer in the mother. It is the need of the hour for new mothers to breastfeed their babies to ensure they stay healthy and safeguard themselves against breast cancer, which is known to cause of high mortality rate in women; breastfeeding can also improve mental health. It can help in reducing stress, anxiety, and improve overall mood reducing chances of PPD; oxytocin also helps the uterus contract thereby reducing postpartum bleeding and aiding in physical recovery, which can also positively impact mental health. It can also have a pain-relieving effect too! Also release of Prolactin a feel good hormone is very beneficial for the mother! Keep writing doc to spread awareness among the masses; thanks & wishing you ATB!🙏🙏


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