I think what MadB explains it perfectly. My DS1 was fully FF from 4 weeks too but never got sick till daycare either but he didn't have other influences in his life that could bring in the nasties, where as DS2 not an overly sick child but would get what was going around cos DS1 by this stage was in school etc. I think you also need to factor in the time of year and whether you do MG or things like that where other influences come into play. There is absolutely no question BM is much better for a bub.
Kazzo my Aunt used to do the bongo's on my nephew's back when his asthma was bad, it really helped in loosening up the mucus on the chest.
I read something once but can't remember where. In essence it explained that they receive antibodies via BM, but only ones for illnesses that you have already had or been immunised against.
Colds and viruses mutate all the time so the strain you have isn't the same as ones you have previously had. You are affected by a cold/virus because your body has no immunity to it, therefore neither does she via your milk. Once your body has fought it off, then the immunity to the strain is there and that will pass on to her.
This is the reason why there is a new flu needle every year because of the new strains of the virus that develop constantly.
A doctor told me that they'll still get colds etc when BF'd, it's just that it's much less likely to become bacterial and require antibiotics.
For my 2c worth, DS1 never got sick as a baby (he didn't start daycare till he was 12 months) ... DS2, on the other hand, had colds from about 4 months of age - thanks to his big brother bringing the germs home from daycare and/or when the weather turned cooler.
Keep up the great work you're doing MM - hope your DD is better soon.
You sound like you've got a lot on your plate. Producing a new baby is hard work, as is meeting their constant needs and the needs of other children after the birth, at a time when you need to take time to let your body heal. It is understandable to feel a little "ripped off" when your breastfed newborn is unwell. But the research is solid. Artificially fed babies are ill more often and more seriously, and become dehydrated more often and require hospitalisation more often.
so, how does this work?
Breastmilk is a living substance, full of white blood cells. These white blood cells actually kill germs that they they come in contact with. colostrum, the first milk, is packed with immunoglobulin A (IgA). This coats the baby's gut preventing germs or allergens getting in to the immature gut.Mature milk also contains IgA.
A baby's immune system is very immature at birth, and babies are particularly vulnerable. Immunity is passed to the baby via the placenta, but this protection gradually reduces over the first 6 mnths. Breastmilk helps plug the gap until the baby's immune system is able to function more fully. when the baby comes in contact with germs, the mother makes antibodies to that germ, so her baby is protected.
Even if these systems don't mean that a baby will never ever get ill (it doesn't work like that) it is important to consider that breastfed babies get less seriously ill and rarely get dehydrated.
When we notice our bottlefed children are not sick very and you hear of a breastfed baby that is sick, that's an interesting observation, but it's not research. I think it's important that we share this information openly so that new mothers have access to good information.
The best thing I ever read was "your breatsmilkmis perfect for your baby.". I think bfing is all about trust. We trust Nouri bdies to make milk and trust our babies to take the right amount of milk they need from the breast. I am so interested in what Barb has shared above and just think that breastmilk is the most amazing substance. Formula is cool too as it feeds our little ones but come on-my body makes breastmilk itself. How cool is that???
I'm sorry your dd has a cold Hun, sick kids are awful, sick babies are even worse. The antibody and bfing argument aside, I bet your dd is finding such co
Fort in nursing from you too.
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