Breastfeeding and Disease Immunity

[danielsmommy]

I hope this is the right place to ask this. I've read that while you're nursing your baby is protected from diseases you have immunity to. I've also read that you don't pass on full immunity. I'm wondering which is true? Can my baby get cp for example because I had it as a kid? And if she is protected from it, will she be until she is completely finished bf'ing, even when she's down to once or twice a day, or just while she's munching quite a bit?

[penstamon]

There are 5 types of antibodies that recognize pathogens that enter our systems. Mommas can give their babies 3 of these types through breast milk (I do not have as much experience with human immunology, but the gist is the same for many vertebrates). That being said, momma's immunity to a pathogen doesn't confer 100% immunity in baby but it does give baby an excellent chance. Antibodies to certain pathogens may not be produced in large enough quantities forever to confer lasting immunity- which is why we get booster shots for some diseases. Babies have immature immune systems so they are not going to have an exact replica of your mature immune system- but BFing gives them the best head start they can get to build immunity. Plus if your DH carries genes for different antibodies than you,, your babe may have the predisposition to build immunity to pathogens that you do not.

Is cp chicken pox? If you mean pox, your babe will not get immunity from you, they will need to be vaxed or exposed to build immunity.

[Rainbow2911]

My understanding is that the immune factors in your milk do not pass into your child's body, so you can't make your child immune to a disease that you are immune to. But breast milk contains white blood cells and antibodies which fight bugs. As most illnesses get in through the mouth/nose then drinking breastmilk can help kill them off before they get in. Plus the fact that they are getting the great nutrition of breast milk will help them fight off illnesses.
I would think that the most protection is provided by exclusive breastfeeding, and that it would decrease as the amount of milk consumed decreases. But your baby could catch chicken pox at any time.
Hope that makes some sense!