Breastfeeding – the natural defence against infection

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

Human breast milk provides not only a great source of nutrition for new-borns and infants but in breastfeeding, you are also passing on immunological protection to your baby against many different infections. We have broken down the immunological factors that are provided with breast milk below, although some words may seem long and hard to pronounce we have given you a breakdown of exactly what they mean to you and your child.

IgAs

Antibodies are the first line of defence that have been produced by your immune system to fight against bacteria, viruses and toxins that have been present at some time in your body. Breastfeeding can pass the antibodies on to your child meaning they have increased protection against infections that they may have never even had.

Hormones, enzymes and growth factors

These are vital for growth and development

Human milk oligosaccharides

HMO’s are unique to human milk and work similar to how probiotics act, shaping the gut microbiome and protecting your baby against Necrotizing Enterocolitis

MicroRNA and exosomes

MicroRNA works in a similar way to giving the child a vaccination for infections they haven’t experienced, only naturally. These are passed through the milk and are likely to contribute to infant protection

Oxysterols

Essential immunity factors provide a protective role against infections during the first few days of a new-born’s life

Stem Cells

Breast milk contain stem cells which may have a central role in an infant’s immune system development

Browns Pharmacy know that everyone is different, some people choose to breastfeed while others choose to use a bottle. That decision is completely up to the mother and we do not recommend one choice over the other.