Breastmilk backwash could be a surprising ally in combating infections. While backwash isn’t everyone’s favorite topic, recent insights suggest that breastfeeding might offer benefits that science is still uncovering. A mother recently shared a compelling photo on social media showing the difference in her breastmilk before and after her child experienced a fever. This visual evidence hints at how the saliva from babies can signal their mothers to produce essential antibodies during illness.
As mothers, we often marvel at the incredible capabilities of our bodies, having nurtured life within us. Until we invent a cure for all diseases or create flying vehicles (still waiting!), the feats our bodies accomplish are truly astounding. New research reveals even more about how women’s bodies continue to shield their babies after birth. A striking example is the photo shared by mom, Lisa Thompson. The milk at the top of the image was pumped just three days prior to her daughter’s illness, while the yellow-toned milk below emerged after a night of nursing her sick child. Concerned that her milk might be compromised, Lisa consulted her pediatrician, who explained that the yellow coloration indicated increased fat and antibodies produced to aid her daughter’s recovery.
That’s undeniably fascinating!
How Does This Transformation Occur?
Scientists suggest it’s largely due to backwash. When infants breastfeed, some of their saliva returns to the mother’s nipple, which is believed to send signals to her body. A study led by Australian researcher Foteini Kakulas, published in Clinical & Translational Immunology, found that while breastmilk typically contains low levels of leukocytes (white blood cells that combat infection), these levels rise dramatically when either the mother or the baby falls ill, then return to normal after recovery.
Of course, not every mother chooses to breastfeed—such as myself—and we are still able to care for our sick kids. Many of us may have opted for bottle-feeding right from the start, raising children who have robust immune systems from all sorts of experiences, even licking tables in busy food courts. The takeaway here isn’t that breastfeeding is necessarily superior to bottle-feeding. Instead, it’s a testament to the incredible ways our bodies instinctively protect our little ones, often without our conscious awareness.
So, let’s delve into the science together—it’s truly remarkable!
Explore More
For those looking to expand their family, you might find value in exploring options like at-home insemination kits, which can be found in our other blog post. Additionally, if you’re interested in the details of pregnancy and home insemination, the Mayo Clinic offers an excellent resource on in-vitro fertilization. For further insights into the wonders of motherhood and parenting, check out this authoritative piece on the topic.
In summary, a mother’s body has an extraordinary ability to adapt and provide for her child’s needs, especially during times of illness. The shared experiences of mothers like Lisa Thompson remind us of the innate magic within our biology and the continuous learning we face as parents.