In a poignant social media post, a mother named Lisa Reynolds captured the transformative essence of breast milk during her daughter’s illness. She shared two striking images of her breast milk: one taken two weeks prior, and the other during her four-month-old daughter, Mia’s, bout with the flu.
“The frozen milk on the left is from two weeks ago,” Lisa explained. “The milk on the right was expressed this past weekend when Mia tested positive for the flu. Can you see the color difference? My breast milk adapted to produce antibodies to fight off any infections she may have had. I didn’t even need to give her any medication.”
Lisa’s experience isn’t isolated; many mothers have discussed how their breast milk has played a crucial role in their children’s health. But is there scientific backing for these claims? Experts confirm that breast milk can indeed provide significant support for sick children.
Expert Insights
Rachel Moore, a certified lactation consultant, elaborates, “When we’re unwell, our bodies burn extra calories to combat the illness, which can lead to an increase in the caloric content of a mother’s milk. This change can make the milk appear more yellow.”
A study published in 2013 in Clinical and Translational Immunology supports this concept, revealing that up to 70% of the cells in colostrum—the initial milk produced by mothers—are leukocytes, which are vital for fighting infections. “This is important, especially since newborns have limited exposure to pathogens and require a substantial initial ‘dose’ of maternal immunity,” the study points out.
Interestingly, when either a nursing mother or her baby falls ill, the composition of breast milk shifts dramatically, with infection-fighting white blood cells increasing to as much as 94%, resembling the leukocyte levels found in colostrum.
Encouragement for Mothers
Lisa reported receiving messages from women globally who felt encouraged by her post to continue breastfeeding. “I shared my story to inspire other women to consider breastfeeding,” she stated. While breastfeeding may not be suitable for everyone—some mothers are unable to do so, while others may choose not to—the core message from Lisa is to “be patient and seek assistance if needed,” reflecting the profound benefits she has personally observed.
The human body’s ability to adapt and nurture is truly astonishing. For those interested in further exploring topics related to pregnancy and home insemination, resources like the UCSF Center provide valuable information. Additionally, you can find more insights about at-home insemination kits at Make a Mom. For further reading, consider checking out this blog post on related topics.
In summary, Lisa’s enlightening post underscores the remarkable adaptability of breast milk in response to illness, showcasing its potential to enhance a child’s immunity during challenging times.