As Certified Breastfeeding Counselors (CBC), we spend a lot of time educating families about breastfeeding. We often talk about the benefits of breastfeeding. Understanding how breastfeeding reduces infections is vital for helping parents understand the benefits of breastfeeding.

It is important to note that breastfeeding is the physiological normal way to feed infants following birth. Rather than the benefits of breastfeeding, it can be helpful to think of it as risks associated with not breastfeeding. When we, as counselors, are learning. However, when we are talking with parents, they might be more receptive to thinking about it framed as the benefits of breastfeeding.

While not all parents will want a detailed rundown of how breastfeeding can reduce infections, some parents might. Understanding the mechanisms behind why is important for being a well-prepared CBC.

How Breastfeeding Impacts The Immune System

As a CBC, you know that breast milk really is liquid gold! Why? It is a complex, living liquid which changes with each feed, throughout the day, and as long as the breastfeeding journey continues.

Many of those changes impact the immune system in a way which reduces the risk and severity of infections. Here’s how:

Antibodies and Immunoglobulins

While not all parents will want the detailed breakdown of how breast milk influences the immune system, there are definitely parents who will want it.

Secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) are some of the most important antibodies in breast milk. SIgA provides a protective barrier on the mucous membranes of the infant’s respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. This prevents pathogens from attaching to and penetrating these surfaces. This reduces the risk of infections such as respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and gastrointestinal disorders.

When infection does occur, antibodies help support the immune system in fighting off the infection more efficiently.

What makes breast milk antibodies so effective is it is a tailored immune response. The breast milk contains the antibodies specific to the pathogens the breastfeeding parent has been exposed to. This includes pathogens baby might have contact with first. When baby latches, their saliva may contain pathogens and now the parent has been exposed.

As baby feeds, they receive the tailored antibodies to viruses and bacteria through the breast milk, offering truly targeted protection

Breast Milk Contains White Blood Cells

As you know, breast milk is made from the parent’s blood in the mammary glands. Prolactin causes the alveoli to take nutrients (proteins, sugars) from the blood supply and turn them into breast milk.

With that knowledge, it makes sense that breast milk contains white blood cells. These white blood cells, known as leukocytes, help fight infections. These cells can identify and destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. This provides direct protection to the baby’s developing immune system.

Prebiotics and Probiotics in Breast Milk Impact Support The Immune System

If you’re anywhere online, you hear all about gut health. While some of the things we read online are based in evidence, some are over hyped. However, what is not over hyped is the fact that breast milk contains both prebiotics and probiotics which are essential for the gut and immune system.

Breast milk contains oligosaccharides, which are prebiotics that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the baby’s gut. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are probiotics found in breast milk which also contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.

For babies who are exposed to any necessary antibiotics, breast milk helping to provide prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy gut bacteria is extremely important.

Enzymes and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

As a living substance, breast milk contains all the above as well as enzymes and anti-inflammatory properties. Lactoferrin and Lysozyme are enzymes which reduce the risk of infection. Other anti-inflammatory properties aid in helping the baby’s immune system mature.

What Infections Does Breast Milk Protect Against?

It is important to note that breast milk is not a magic, develop immunity to everything, substance. However, it can definitely feel magical in that it can reduce the frequency and severity of common illnesses. Of note, breast milk is not an alternative to medical care. It is a source of nutrition which aids in helping the baby’s immune system.

Research shows that infants who are breastfed are less likely to have frequent respiratory infections, less likely to have ear infections, a lower risk of severe gastrointestinal illness, and reduced likelihood of UTIs.

Even with its wonderful properties, breastfed babies can still get sick. However, when they do get sick, they are less likely to need to be hospitalized due to severe infection, or secondary issues such as dehydration.

As a CBC, you can use this information to help parents understand the benefits and importance of breast milk.