Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » When a baby receives antibodies in breast milk, this is an example of passive immunity, true or fals

When a baby receives antibodies in breast milk, this is an example of passive immunity, true or fals

Understanding Passive Immunity in Infants
When a baby receives antibodies through breast milk, it is indeed an example of passive immunity. This form of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, providing immediate protection without the recipient’s immune system having to produce its own antibodies.
The Role of Breast Milk
Breast milk is not just a source of nutrition; it is also a vital component of an infant’s immune defense. Newborns are born with an immature immune system, making them particularly vulnerable to infections. To combat this, mothers transfer maternal antibodies to their infants through breast milk, particularly in the early days after birth when colostrum, the first milk produced, is rich in these protective antibodies.
Mechanism of Passive Immunity
The antibodies found in breast milk, primarily immunoglobulin A (IgA), play a crucial role in protecting infants from pathogens. These antibodies coat the lining of the baby’s intestines, preventing harmful bacteria and viruses from entering the bloodstream. This transfer of immunity is a natural process that helps shield infants during their early months, a time when they are most susceptible to infections.
Long-Term Benefits
While passive immunity provides immediate protection, it is important to note that this immunity is temporary. The antibodies received through breast milk will gradually diminish over time, typically within the first few months of life. However, breastfeeding not only offers this short-term immunity but may also stimulate the infant’s immune system to develop its own defenses, potentially leading to long-lasting effects.
In conclusion, the transfer of antibodies from mother to baby through breast milk is a clear example of passive immunity, providing essential protection during a critical period of development. This natural mechanism underscores the importance of breastfeeding for both immediate and long-term health benefits for infants.

Are antibodies in breast milk passive or active?

Conclusions: Breastfeeding may, in addition to the well-known passive protection against infections during lactation, have a unique capacity to stimulate the immune system of the offspring possibly with several long-term positive effects.

What type of immunity is breast milk an example of?

Human milk was previously thought to only provide passive immunity primarily through Secretory IgA, but advances in technology have led to the identification of various immune-modulating components.

Do antibodies provide passive immunity to newborn babies?

Neonatal passive immunity, derived from transplacental transfer of IgG antibodies from mother to fetus during pregnancy, can mitigate the risk for severe infections in the early postnatal period.

What are 2 ways babies receive passive immunity?

Passive immunity
These antibodies are shared in two ways: across the placenta and in breast milk. Placenta and circulation — When a woman is pregnant, her blood circulates through the placenta to deliver nourishment and protection to the developing fetus.

What are the two types of immunity a human baby is born with?

Every organism is born with some kind of immunity and some immunity gets adapted as organisms grow up. Human baby is born with two types of immunity- innate and adaptive.

What type of immunity is in breast milk?

Of note, immune cells such as B and T lymphocytes, regulatory cells, monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells and IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies are found in the breast milk (7).

What is an example of active and passive immunity?

Active vs passive immunity table

Active Immunity Passive Immunity
Results from Direct infection Vaccination Mother to baby transfer through the placenta Breast milk Therapeutic injection
Takes effect Over time (typically weeks) Immediately
Length of efficacy Long-term to lifelong Short-term
Generates memory cells? Yes No

When a baby receives antibodies in breast milk, this is an example of passive immunity.?

A type of immunity that occurs when a person is given antibodies rather than making them through his or her own immune system. For example, passive immunity occurs when a baby receives a mother’s antibodies through the placenta or breast milk.

Are maternal antibodies passive?

In fact, maternal antibodies are passively transferred throughout the placenta and later in colostrum and breast milk, ready to combat infections in early life (8).

Are antibodies active or passive immunity?

Passive immunity is provided when a person is given antibodies to a disease rather than producing them through his or her own immune system. A newborn baby acquires passive immunity from its mother through the placenta.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment