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Will taking probiotics help my breastfed baby?

Understanding Probiotics and Their Impact on Breastfed Babies
The question of whether probiotics can benefit breastfed babies is one that has gained considerable attention in recent years, particularly as parents increasingly seek ways to promote their children’s health from an early age. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have been studied for their potential effects on various health conditions. However, the implications for infants, particularly those who are breastfed, require careful examination.
The Role of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is widely regarded as the optimal source of nutrition for infants. Breast milk is rich in essential nutrients and antibodies that help to bolster the immune system and promote healthy growth and development. Moreover, breast milk contains prebiotics, which are substances that foster the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This natural form of support helps establish a healthy gut microbiome in babies, which is crucial for their overall health.
Probiotics: What the Research Says
Recent studies suggest that probiotics may offer additional benefits for breastfed infants. Some research indicates that specific strains of probiotics can help prevent gastrointestinal issues, such as colic, constipation, and diarrhea, which are common in infants. For instance, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains have shown promise in helping to support digestive health.
Furthermore, there is growing evidence that probiotics might play a role in reducing the incidence of allergies and eczema in infants, particularly those with a family history of allergic conditions. A systematic review published in the journal “Pediatrics” highlighted that the administration of probiotics during pregnancy and in early infancy may decrease the risk of developing allergic diseases.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While the potential benefits of probiotics are encouraging, it is essential for parents to approach their use with caution. The infant gut microbiome is still developing, and introducing probiotics without medical guidance might not always be advisable. Not all probiotic strains are suitable for infants, and there is a need for further research to establish the safety and efficacy of specific products.
Parents should consult with pediatricians before administering probiotics to their breastfed babies, particularly if the infant has underlying health conditions or a compromised immune system. Additionally, it’s crucial to choose high-quality probiotic products that are specifically formulated for infants, as not all probiotics on the market are created equal.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is promising evidence suggesting that probiotics may provide health benefits for breastfed babies, particularly in supporting gut health and potentially reducing the risk of allergies, the decision to use them should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. Breastfeeding itself remains the cornerstone of infant nutrition, offering a complex blend of nutrients and protective factors that are vital for a baby’s development. As research evolves, parents are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize their child’s health through safe and scientifically-backed practices.

Will babies get probiotics through breast milk?

The maternal microbiome is transferred horizontally and vertically through mobile genetic elements during pregnancy to sculpt the infant gut microbiome. In addition, accumulating studies have suggested that breast milk acts as an important mediator of microbiome transfer from mother to infant.

How to help a gassy breastfed baby?

Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet. Try to learn which foods work and don’t work for you and your baby, and remember, each baby is uniquely different.

Do pediatricians recommend probiotics for babies?

Probiotics in Formula
But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn’t recommend the use of probiotics for children and babies, because studies so far have found no evidence that they have health benefits. It’s also not clear whether they might cause side effects.

Do probiotics help a gassy baby?

Whether your baby has colic or reflux, find a high-quality probiotic that you love. This is because at minimum, probiotics can help to soothe inflammation and reduce gas. Which means your baby will sleep easier. Hooray!

Do probiotics pass through breast milk?

Probiotic bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus show multidirectional pro-health effects on the human body. Their presence in breast milk seems to be extremely valuable in shaping the correct microbiota of breastfed infants. It is particularly important to provide probiotic strains to premature babies.

Do breastfed babies benefit from probiotics?

CONCLUSION. Maternal probiotic supplements effectively orchestrate the breast milk and infant gut microbiome with a wide range of clinical benefits and safety. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus thermophilus, and S. boulardii can be used as maternal supplements to promote infant health.

What is the best probiotic for breastfed babies?

Baby Specific Probiotic Strains

  • Bifidobacterium lactis : One of the most abundant bacteria found in breastfed infants.
  • Bifidobacterium infantis : ‘Super digestive’ strain for babies.
  • Lactobacillus rhamnasus GG : The most clinically studied strain.
  • Lactobacillus reuteri : Shown to reduce colic symptoms in babes.

What time of day should I give baby probiotics?

For breastfed babies, I recommend giving them their probiotic drops during feeds while they are already suckling. Infant probiotics are often formulated to be flavourless so that they don’t change the taste or smell of milk or formula and impact your child’s appetite.

When should I start giving my baby probiotics?

There is also a sizeable literature concerning use of probiotics (also referred to as prebiotics and synbiotics) in the modulation of atopy in high risk infants (5,6). In all of these studies, I am unaware of a recommendation not to give probiotics or prebiotics to infants less than 6-12 months of age.

Does taking probiotics while pregnant help the baby?

“We have strong evidence this specific probiotic helped reduce stress-related problems in both mothers and their offspring, including helping the babies gain weight and improving their social behavior,” said Gur, who also is an associate professor of psychiatry, neuroscience and obstetrics and gynecology at Ohio State.

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.

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