4 Scientifically Proven Ways Breastfeeding Makes Your Baby Stronger

Women have breastfed their babies for aeons years. It’s normal for our species. Many of us know breast-milk is important to support a baby’s immune system. Some of us are aware that not breastfeeding increases the risk of infection. Peradventure there’s anyone still in doubt, find 4 scientifically proven ways breast milk makes your baby’s immune system stronger.

• Larger Thymus Gland

Formula fed babies tend to have smaller thymus glands than breastfed babies. The thymus gland is the central organ of the immune system. It’s important for making white blood cells, which are an important part of our immune defence. It also makes other cells (regulatory T cells) which are important to help prevent autoimmune diseases. A larger thymus gland may be an important factor for optimal functioning of our immune system long term.

• Higher Antibody Levels To Some Vaccinations

Breastmilk provides protection and reduces the risk of many types of infections, but it’s not a substitute for vaccination. If your breastfed baby is vaccinated, the baby makes higher levels of antibodies in response to some vaccines (e.g. tetanus, diphtheria toxoid and H. influenza type b), compared to formula fed babies. Hence, breastmilk may improve the effectiveness of vaccines in protecting against some vaccine-preventable diseases.

• Breastmilk Growth Factors May Help Develop A Baby’s Gut

Breastmilk contains many growth factors. Some of these growth factors (e.g HCF and EGF) may assist with the development of the gut including its lining. This could be an important part of how breastfeeding helps a baby’s gut to maintain its integrity and prevent pathogens from getting through.

• Breastmilk May Promote Oral Tolerance

Oral tolerance is when one’s immune system does not react when orally exposed to something that should be harmless (e.g. food). Breastmilk contains a variety of potential allergens sourced from the mother’s environment (e.g. various food proteins). The presence of these in addition to the various immune modulating properties of breastmilk could mean breastmilk plays an important role in the development of oral tolerance. Hence, breastmilk may be an important aspect to help prevent allergy and autoimmune diseases.