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Expert Q&A
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| By Melissa Clark Vickers International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn. | ||
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How does breastfeeding protect my baby from illness?
In addition to the milk-producing "equipment," the breast is an antibody factory as well. It can begin producing these disease-fighters in response to whatever Mom has been exposed to, thereby protecting her baby from getting sick. And the breast makes antibodies not only to illnesses Mom has been exposed to but also to whatever Baby has been exposed. The simple act of nursing sends complex signals back and forth between breast and Baby to fight these invaders.
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- I'm flat-chested -- will I be able to breastfeed?
- Will it be hard to position my baby for nursing if my breasts are large?
- Can you tell me about the AAP breastfeeding guidelines?
