Will drinking my own breast milk help with a cold?

The Curious Case of Breast Milk and Colds
As the cold season approaches, many parents might wonder about unconventional remedies to alleviate their symptoms, especially when it comes to the health of their little ones. One such inquiry that has emerged is whether drinking one’s own breast milk could provide relief from a cold.
The Science Behind Breast Milk
Breast milk is often celebrated for its myriad health benefits for infants. It contains antibodies, enzymes, and nutrients that are critical for a baby’s development and immune system. Notably, colostrum, the first milk produced after childbirth, is particularly rich in immunoglobulins, which help protect newborns from infections.
However, the immune-boosting properties of breast milk primarily benefit the infant rather than the lactating mother. While it’s true that breast milk can help bolster a baby’s immune system, the idea that consuming it can directly aid an adult’s recovery from a cold lacks substantial scientific backing.
The Role of Antibodies
When a mother is exposed to pathogens, her body produces specific antibodies that are transferred to her breast milk. This process is incredibly beneficial for infants, providing them with passive immunity. For adults, however, the consumption of breast milk does not replicate the immune response needed to combat a viral infection like the common cold. The antibodies in breast milk are tailored to the baby’s developing immune system, not necessarily to benefit an adult’s health.
Anecdotal Evidence vs. Scientific Research
While some individuals may report subjective improvements in their cold symptoms after drinking breast milk, these anecdotes should be approached with caution. The power of the placebo effect—where a person experiences real changes in their condition simply because they believe a treatment will work—can play a significant role in such experiences.
Currently, scientific research does not support the idea that drinking breast milk can cure or alleviate the symptoms of a cold in adults. The common cold is primarily caused by viruses, and conventional treatments focus on symptom management rather than the underlying viral infection.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
While breast milk is a remarkable substance for infants, its potential benefits for adults suffering from colds remain largely unproven. Instead, those seeking relief should consider traditional remedies such as staying hydrated, resting, and perhaps using over-the-counter medications designed to alleviate cold symptoms.
In summary, while the notion of drinking one’s own breast milk may seem appealing to some, it is essential to rely on scientifically validated remedies for cold relief. It’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice tailored to individual health needs.

Does drinking your own breastmilk have benefits?

“While human breast milk is nutritious and beneficial for infants, consuming it as an adult may not provide the same nutritional benefits and could potentially expose the consumer to health risks.”

Should I drink my own breast milk if I have a cold?

“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.

Can adults drink breastmilk when sick?

Dr. Jack Newman, who founded the International Breastfeeding Centre, believes human milk could have beneficial qualities for adults — especially someone who is sick. “There are dozens of various immune factors in a living fluid that will help people fight off infection,” says Newman.

Is breast milk good for sick adults?

People with compromised immune systems: Although it’s more rate, sometimes cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and people with infectious diseases use donated breast milk to strengthen their immune systems.

How to use breast milk for congestion?

Breast milk in the nose
Carefully put a little milk right into your baby’s nose while feeding.

What happens if I drink my own breastmilk?

The antibodies present in your breastmilk were and are already present in your body. Drinking your own milk won’t do any harm to you, but it also won’t benefit or introduce any new antibodies.

Does drinking breastmilk help with a cold?

Often, babies will want to feed constantly while they have a cold. Their bodies know that they need the valuable milk that you are producing for an antibody hit to help them recover. Your breastmilk can help to soothe a sore and irritated throat, and frequent cuddles and contact can help with aches and pains.

Can adults drink breast milk when sick?

On the contrary, registered dietitian Abby Langer believes drinking human milk can be potentially dangerous for adults. “It’s a bodily fluid, and if a person has a communicable disease, then it’s going to come right through the breast milk,” Langer says. “I would highly caution against it. It’s a biohazard.”

Do mothers taste their own breast milk?

Breastfeeding mothers that tasted their own milk described the taste as sweet and bitter, the smell as neutral, creamy, and sweet, and the mouthfeel as thin, watery, smooth, and fatty. A correlation was found between the bitterness of the mother’s diet and the bitterness of her fore milk but not hind milk.

Will my baby catch my cold if I breastfeed?

With most common illnesses like a cold or flu, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby as long as you take proper hygiene precautions like handwashing. Continuing to breastfeed will help you to maintain your milk supply and will provide your baby with protection against the illness you are experiencing.