In a compelling social media post, a mother recently illustrated the transformative potential of breastmilk during her daughter’s illness. She shared two images of her stored breastmilk, one reflecting its usual color and the other showing a noticeable change when her four-month-old daughter, Lily, was battling the flu.
“The milk on the left was frozen two weeks ago,” she explained. “The milk on the right was collected this past weekend after her tests confirmed the flu. See the color difference? My breastmilk adapted, producing antibodies to help fight off any infections Lily might encounter. I didn’t administer any antiviral medications.” This mother’s experience is not an isolated incident; many have recounted similar stories where breastmilk provided essential support for their children’s health.
Can Breastmilk Aid in Recovery from Illness?
But can breastmilk genuinely aid in recovery from illness? Experts affirm this possibility. Rachel Turner, a certified lactation consultant, noted, “When we are sick, our body may require additional calories to combat the illness, which could lead to an increase in the caloric content of a mother’s milk. This can certainly alter its appearance, often resulting in a more yellow hue.”
Supporting this claim, a 2013 study published in Clinical and Translational Immunology found that up to 70 percent of the cells in colostrum—the initial milk produced by mothers—are leukocytes, or white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting infections. This phenomenon is particularly vital for newborns, who, due to their limited exposure to pathogens, require a strong initial dose of maternal immunity to stay healthy.
As the study elaborates, after the first few days, regular breastmilk contains about 2 percent leukocytes, unless either the breastfeeding mother or the infant falls ill. In such cases, the concentration of infection-fighting white blood cells can surge to as much as 94 percent, resembling the composition of colostrum more closely.
Encouragement for Mothers
The mother behind this enlightening post, Sarah Mitchell, revealed that her message created a wave of encouragement among women globally, inspiring them to persist with breastfeeding. “I shared my journey to encourage other mothers to consider breastfeeding,” she stated.
It’s essential to recognize that breastfeeding may not be feasible for everyone. Some mothers might face challenges that prevent them from breastfeeding, while others may opt for different feeding methods. Regardless of individual choices, Sarah emphasizes the importance of seeking support and being patient, as she has witnessed the remarkable benefits of breastfeeding firsthand.
Additional Resources
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In summary, breastmilk demonstrates significant adaptability to support an infant’s health during illness, underscoring the remarkable capabilities of a mother’s body.