Breast milk is often referred to as “liquid gold,” and any new mom knows the heartache of spilling even a tiny amount after a late-night pumping session. The lengths we go to for our little ones, from enduring discomfort to feeding in sweltering heat while juggling a fussy baby, all point to the remarkable benefits of breast milk. Even amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are continually uncovering the profound significance of this vital substance.
Note: This article aims to celebrate breastfeeding without shaming those who choose formula. Every mother should prioritize her own well-being and make feeding choices that suit her circumstances. There are valid reasons for selecting formula, which remains a safe nutritional option for infants.
Research on Breast Milk and COVID-19
Recent research highlighted by Healthline reveals that Rebecca Green, a human milk scientist based in New York City, is investigating breast milk samples from lactating women, particularly those who have encountered COVID-19. As a mother of two, with one still nursing, Green diligently collects milk samples across the city, demonstrating her dedication to this important research.
Green, who serves as an assistant professor at a prominent medical institution, gathers samples through safe, contactless methods to explore whether breast milk can shield infants from COVID-19 and potentially assist in developing treatments for the virus. While many mothers are aware that breast milk contains essential antibodies to help combat infections, the question arises: how does this hold up during a global health crisis?
The Role of Antibodies
Antibodies, as explained by Healthline, are proteins produced by the immune system to fend off harmful bacteria and viruses. They can even be utilized therapeutically for conditions like certain cancers. While much research has focused on blood antibodies related to COVID-19, the unique properties of those found in breast milk deserve further attention.
Green and her team had already been studying the antibodies in breast milk that combat the flu and their potential protective effects following maternal vaccination. When the coronavirus emerged, they swiftly pivoted their research focus.
“It became clear that the unknowns surrounding flu were vastly multiplied in the case of COVID-19,” Green stated, expressing the urgency to begin her study. Their preliminary findings revealed that 80% of breast milk samples from women who recovered from COVID-19 contained specific antibodies for the virus.
Significance of the Findings
The significance of these findings cannot be overstated. Green believes that continued research on breast milk and its COVID-19 antibodies is crucial, especially since breast milk antibodies have a well-documented history of helping protect infants from illnesses like measles. Additionally, breastfeeding has been linked to a decreased risk of several health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The antibodies in breast milk are primarily in the IgA form, which is resistant to degradation in a baby’s mouth and stomach, making them particularly effective. This resilience suggests that these antibodies may hold promise for therapeutic applications.
Challenges in Research
Despite the encouraging results, funding for breast milk research remains limited. Green believes this may stem from the societal stigma surrounding breastfeeding, compounded by inadequate maternity leave policies that pressure many women to return to work shortly after childbirth. Moreover, logistical challenges complicate the study of human milk, as no central authority oversees these efforts.
However, Green has leveraged her role as a mother to connect with other lactating women through social media and local networks, facilitating the collection of valuable data. She has already gathered around 25 one-ounce samples from mothers who have recovered from COVID-19 and has an impressive list of over 1,500 participants interested in contributing to the research.
Conclusion
Through these efforts, Green aims to generate crucial epidemiological insights, assist vaccine development, and fill knowledge gaps in breast milk research. For more information on similar topics, check out this related post.
In summary, ongoing research by dedicated scientists like Rebecca Green highlights the extraordinary benefits of breast milk, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. As we continue to learn, it’s essential to support breastfeeding while recognizing each mother’s right to choose what works best for her and her child.