Does breastmilk help babies when sick?

The Healing Power of Breastmilk: A Lifeline for Sick Babies
When a baby falls ill, parents often feel a wave of helplessness, searching for ways to soothe their little one and aid in recovery. One of the most effective and natural remedies available is breastmilk. Research consistently highlights the myriad benefits of breastfeeding, particularly during times of illness.
Nutritional and Immune Support
Breastmilk is uniquely designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants, providing the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates essential for growth and development. However, its benefits extend far beyond mere nutrition. Breastmilk is rich in antibodies and other immune-boosting components that help protect babies from infections. Studies have shown that breastfed infants experience fewer infections and hospitalizations compared to their formula-fed counterparts. This is largely due to the transfer of maternal antibodies through breastmilk, which fortifies the baby’s immune system against common ailments such as ear infections, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
Adapting to Illness
Interestingly, breastmilk can adapt in composition based on the health status of both the mother and the baby. When a mother is sick, her body produces specific antibodies that are passed through her milk, targeting the pathogens she is fighting. This means that if a mother has a cold or flu, her breastmilk may contain antibodies that help her baby combat the same illness. This dynamic response underscores the idea that breastmilk acts not just as food, but as a form of medicine, providing tailored support during times of need.
Continuing to Breastfeed
For mothers concerned about breastfeeding while sick, the consensus among health experts is clear: it is generally safe and beneficial to continue breastfeeding. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, emphasizing its importance even when the mother is unwell. While precautions should be taken—such as practicing good hygiene and possibly wearing a mask if the illness is contagious—breastfeeding can significantly aid in the baby’s recovery.
Emotional Comfort and Bonding
Beyond the physical benefits, breastfeeding during illness also offers emotional comfort. The act of nursing can soothe a sick baby, providing not only nutrition but also a sense of security and closeness. This bonding experience is crucial for both the mother and the child, fostering a nurturing environment that can enhance recovery.
Conclusion
In summary, breastmilk serves as a powerful ally for sick babies, offering essential nutrients and immune support while adapting to the health needs of both mother and child. Continuing to breastfeed during illness not only helps in fighting infections but also strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby. For parents navigating the challenges of a sick child, breastmilk stands out as a natural remedy that can make a significant difference in the healing process.

Does pumped milk have antibodies?

Antibodies in Breast Milk Provide Protection Against Common GI Virus. A study led by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that breast milk provides protection against rotavirus, a common gastrointestinal disease that causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever in infants.

Do breastfed babies get over colds faster?

It also has a constantly adjusting balance of vitamins and nutrients, supporting her to get better as quickly as possible. And that means fewer sick days and visits to the doctor for both of you. “Breastfeeding provides everything your baby needs if she’s sick – it’s her medicine as well as her food, fluid and comfort.

Does breastmilk help babies fight viruses?

Breast milk supports your baby’s health because it: Is easy for their immature tummy and intestines to digest. Contains antibodies that protect against infection and boost immunity.

Are breastfed babies less likely to get RSV?

Infants receiving (exclusive or partial) maternal milk had lower risk of RSV bronchiolitis. Partial breastfeeding reduces risk of hospitalisation.

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.

Can breastmilk help with congestion?

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

Do babies build immunity to RSV after having it?

Immunity to reinfection with a single strain of RSV is, at best, partial; re-infections with antigenically similar strains occur throughout life and through to old age.

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.

Does breastmilk protect against RSV?

There have been many efforts to find out which could protect infants from the sequelae or mortality by RSV. Human milk feeding was proved to be one of the effective protectors. Nishimura et al. [13]. reported that breastfeeding could reduce the severity of RSV infection among the young infants via multicenter study.

Do breast milk 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.