Can breastmilk help illnesses?

The Healing Power of Breast Milk: A Natural Defense Against Illness
Breast milk is often hailed as the gold standard for infant nutrition, but its benefits extend far beyond mere sustenance. Recent research underscores its role in bolstering the immune system and providing protection against various illnesses, making it a vital resource for newborns and young children.
Nutritional Superiority and Immune Support
Human breast milk is uniquely designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants. It contains a perfect balance of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals essential for growth and development. However, what sets breast milk apart is its rich composition of bioactive compounds that play a crucial role in immune development. These include antibodies, enzymes, and hormones that help protect infants from infections and diseases.
One of the most significant components of breast milk is secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which acts as a first line of defense against pathogens. This antibody is particularly effective in neutralizing viruses and bacteria that infants may encounter. Additionally, breast milk contains lactoferrin, a protein that binds iron and has antimicrobial properties, further enhancing its protective effects.
Adaptive Nature of Breast Milk
Interestingly, breast milk is not static; it adapts to the changing needs of the infant, especially during illness. When a baby is sick, the mother’s body responds by altering the composition of her milk. For instance, the concentration of immune factors like sIgA and lactoferrin increases, providing targeted support to help the infant combat specific infections. This dynamic adjustment underscores the remarkable ability of breast milk to respond to the health status of both mother and child.
Breastfeeding During Illness
Breastfeeding during times of illness is not only safe but also beneficial. Studies have shown that continuing to breastfeed when a baby is sick can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness. The antibodies present in the mother’s milk can help the infant fight off infections more effectively, providing a natural shield against pathogens.
Moreover, breastfeeding has been associated with a lower incidence of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and other common childhood illnesses. This protective effect is particularly crucial in the early months of life when infants are most vulnerable.
Conclusion: A Lifeline for Health
In summary, breast milk is much more than just food; it is a powerful ally in the fight against illness. Its unique composition not only nourishes but also fortifies the immune system, adapting to the needs of the infant as they grow and encounter various health challenges. For mothers, the act of breastfeeding during illness can be a vital contribution to their child’s health, reinforcing the age-old wisdom that “breast is best.”

Can breastmilk cure the flu?

Breastfeeding helps protect babies from a variety of illnesses, including influenza. This is because breastmilk contains antibodies and other immune protective factors.

Does breastmilk help with congestion?

Giving nose drops from neonates’ own mothers’ milk is a simple and common measure for treating their nasal congestion.

Does breastmilk help with flu?

Breastfeeding helps protect babies from a variety of illnesses, including influenza. This is because breastmilk contains antibodies and other immune protective factors.

Does breastmilk fight illness?

Breastmilk has many disease-fighting factors. They help prevent mild to severe infections and hospitalization. Breastfed babies have far fewer digestive, lung, and ear infections.

Do breast-fed babies get sick less?

Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants. During breastfeeding, antibodies and other germ-fighting factors pass from a mother to her baby and strengthen the immune system. This helps lower a baby’s chances of getting many infections, including: ear infections.

Can drinking your own breast milk help with illness?

“There are antibodies in breast milk that can help with viruses, but an adult should have enough immunoglobulins in their body and doesn’t need extra immunoglobulins in oral liquids,” Alper said. There simply is not enough research to confirm whether drinking breast milk can help you ward off illness, according toDr.

What is the minimum amount of breastmilk to benefit a baby?

In fact, there is some research that indicates that even as little as 50 ml of breastmilk per day may help prevent disease in breastfed babies. Additionally, our body recognizes the importance of this protection and increases the concentration of SigA as our milk supply begins to decrease.

Can breast milk break up mucus?

Try breast milk drops
Use a dropper to insert a couple of drops directly into baby’s nose. Similarly to saline drops, breast milk can help break up mucus, and its antiviral properties may help treat the cold.

How to prop a baby up when sick?

Don’t use a pillow or sleep positioner to try and prop your baby up to ease their congestion. Stick to safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation. Put your baby to sleep on a firm, flat surface, never on an incline.

Will breastmilk help my sick baby?

Benefits of nursing your sick baby
Each time your baby nurses, saliva transmits information about his or her immune system to your breast milk — and your breast milk’s composition adapts to that information. As a result, it shifts nutrients and antibodies to help your baby fight off pathogens when ill.