One of the most important things a mother can do for her newborn baby is to breastfeed. Breastmilk provides all the nutrients a growing baby needs, and it also helps protect them from infections.

Breastmilk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting substances that help fight off bacteria and viruses, keeping your baby healthy and strong. Here are some of the ways breastmilk helps protect your baby:.

Antibodies

Breastmilk contains a range of antibodies that help your baby fight off infections. When you breastfeed, you pass these antibodies on to your baby, providing immunity to a range of common illnesses.

For example, some of the antibodies in breastmilk are specific to respiratory infections, which can be particularly dangerous for newborns. Other antibodies protect against ear infections, diarrhea, and other common illnesses. Breastfed babies are also less likely to develop allergies and eczema, which can be caused by an overactive immune system.

Gut Health

Breastmilk is also important for maintaining a healthy gut. The human gut contains trillions of bacteria, known as the microbiome, which play a crucial role in our health.

Breastmilk contains special sugars called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which nourish the healthy bacteria in your baby’s gut. These bacteria are important for digestion, immune function, and hormone regulation.

Breastfeeding helps establish a healthy microbiome, which can help protect your baby from a range of health problems later in life, including obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

White Blood Cells

Another important component of breastmilk is white blood cells. These cells help fight off infection and inflammation, and they also stimulate the immune system.

Breastmilk contains a type of white blood cell called a macrophage, which engulfs and destroys bacteria and other foreign invaders. It also contains neutrophils and lymphocytes, which help fight off viruses and other pathogens.

Breastfeeding provides your baby with a continuous supply of these infection-fighting cells, which can help prevent illnesses and reduce the severity of infections if they do occur.

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a protein found in breastmilk that has powerful antimicrobial properties. It helps prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses, and it also helps protect the gut from inflammation.

Lactoferrin is particularly abundant in colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother after giving birth. Colostrum is rich in antibodies, white blood cells, and other immune-boosting factors, making it especially important for newborns. Breastfeeding within the first hour after birth helps ensure that your baby receives this critical first milk.

Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins are proteins that help the body identify and fight off invading pathogens. Breastmilk contains several different types of immunoglobulins, including IgA, IgG, and IgM.

These antibodies help protect against various bacteria and viruses, including those that cause ear infections, pneumonia, and meningitis. IgA is especially important for protecting the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose, which are common entry points for pathogens.

Breastfeeding helps provide your baby with a constant supply of these infection-fighting proteins, helping keep them healthy and strong.

Growth Factors

Breastmilk also contains various growth factors that help your baby grow and develop. These include hormones such as prolactin, which stimulates milk production, and oxytocin, which helps with bonding and relaxation.

Breastmilk also contains growth factors that help your baby’s gut mature and absorb nutrients more efficiently. These factors can help protect against a range of health problems, including malnutrition and developmental delays.

Prebiotics

In addition to HMOs, breastmilk also contains other prebiotics that help support a healthy microbiome. These include fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Prebiotics can also help reduce inflammation and improve gut health, protecting against a range of health problems later in life.

The Bottom Line

Breastmilk is a powerful tool for protecting your baby from infections and supporting their overall health and development.

Breastfeeding provides a constant supply of antibodies, white blood cells, growth factors, and other immune-boosting factors that help fight off infections and support healthy growth and development. Breastfeeding also helps establish a healthy microbiome, which can protect against a range of health problems later in life. If you’re considering breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or a lactation consultant to get started on the right track.