|
Imagine
Your Kids with Vibrant Health and Natural Vitality!
Boost and Strengthen their Immune System the Natural
Way!
Super Healthy Kids is a comprehensive e-book (you can get a printed
paperback version as well) about what you can do to strengthen your
kids health and boost their immune system to prevent disease and
create increased vibrant health and vitality...read
more...
Breastfeeding for a Strong Immune System
By Jane Sheppard
Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Developing
Immune System
The importance of breastfeeding cannot be overstated in building
a strong immune system. Breastmilk is much more than food. In addition
to providing the absolute best nutrition for a growing body, breastmilk
supplies the factors needed to develop the immune system and protect
your baby against disease. Breastfeeding also adds the loving touch
and comfort that is crucial to the growth and well being of your
baby.
Developing a Healthy Immune System
Although they have some antibodies from the placenta of their mother,
newborns enter the world
largely unprotected. They are faced with organisms they have never
met before. Their immune systems are undeveloped, which leaves them
at risk for infections and serious illnesses. An infant produces
antibodies efficiently by about six months, but the immune system
is not fully developed until it is about four or five years old.
This is one of the reasons why it is important to breastfeed your
baby for as long as possible. Breastmilk protects against illness
and encourages development of the immune system.
Breastmilk contains lymphocytes and macrophages that produce antibodies
and other immune factors. It provides lactobacillus bifidus, the
"friendly" bacterium that helps prevent the growth of
dangerous bacteria. Another molecule in breastmilk actually kills
harmful bacteria. In addition to providing protection against pathogenic
bacteria, breastmilk contains elements that guard against viruses,
fungi and parasites. The immunology of breastmilk is quite amazing.
Mother Nature definitely knows what she is doing!
Long-Term Breastfeeding
It's baffling that some health professionals believe that there
is no benefit from breastmilk to babies after they are six months
old! Long-term breastfeeding and natural weaning (letting your child
decide when to wean) is by far the healthiest and builds a healthy
immune system. Continuing to breastfeed into the preschool years
does not make a child dependent on the mother. My daughter decided
to quit nursing at age four. This was a gentle, easy transition
for her. She is a strong, independent child because she knows she
can always get her needs met.
Breastfeeding When You or Your Baby are Sick
Many people also believe that a mother should not breastfeed if
she is has a contagious illness. The opposite is true. When you
are exposed to a virus, you begin producing antibodies to fight
the infection. Some of these antibodies are passed to your baby
through your breastmilk so he or she can also fight the virus.
When your baby is sick, it makes sense to nurse him or her more
frequently. In addition to providing antibodies, breastmilk is a
nourishing calorie-rich fluid, which keeps a baby well hydrated.
My daughter intuitively knew to nurse more frequently when she was
fighting something off. This frequent nursing managed to keep whatever
was trying to invade her body from developing into an actual infection
or disease.
More Information on
boosting a child's immune system.
|
Use the information provided on this site as an educational resource for determining your options and making your own informed choices. It is not intended as medical advice or to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any specific illness.