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Home › Articles › Breast is Best › Breastfeeding and Allergies

Breastfeeding and Allergies

Protection Now and for the Future

By P. Christine Smith

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Breastfeeding and Allergies-Protection Now and for the Future

Breastfed babies are provided with protection from developing allergies during the breastfeeding period, and well into the future. "Two major reasons," explains Ann Russell, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and La Leche League Leader in Poway, Calif. "[Breastfed] babies are exposed to fewer allergens in the first months of life, and secondly, the first feedings of colostrum literally 'seal the gut' (the porous lining of the intestines), providing a barrier to the absorption of allergy-producing agents."

Additionally, both colostrum and mother's mature milk are rich in antibodies, providing a baby with the benefit of the mother's immune system until the baby develops his own functional immune system at about 6 months of age.

The earlier and more often food is ingested, "The greater likelihood of a food becoming an allergen," explains Russell. Cow's milk tops the list of food allergens. "There are more than 20 substances in cow's milk that have been shown to be human allergens," says Russell.

Baby formulas are derived from cow's milk. While soy formulas are available for babies with allergic reactions to milk products, Russel says that babies along the way to finding the right formula are very unhappy. Allergic reactions in babies range from spitting up, diarrhea and colic, to congestion, ear infections and sleeplessness.

According to information released by La Leche League International (LLLI), allergies have increased tenfold in the last twenty years. Currently, one in five children shows some degree of allergies by age 20. However, children breastfed for more than six months are seven times less likely to suffer from allergies at all.


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