The effects of breastfeeding on the intestinal flora of infants
At birth, the gut of an infant it filled with sterile amniotic fluid. If the baby is born vaginally, they acquire flora from their mom. The baby also acquires some from the air, nursing staff, equipment and from other babies, as well as through breast milk. The gut flora of breastfed newborns are more stable and more uniformed than that of formula-fed babies (Bezirtzoglou et al.,2011). Introducing formula or solid food to breastfed infant causes their flora to become more like that of a formula-fed baby.
Breastfed infants have a lower incidence of diarrhea, infant necrotizing enterocolitis, allergies (but not asthma) and autoimmune diseases in childhood than formula-fed infants. Adults who were breastfed as infants have a reduced risk of inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. For those moms who don’t breastfeed, adding probiotics and prebiotics (the food for the micro flora) to their baby’s formula causes their flora to become more like that of a breast-fed infant.
As babies grow, they go through growth spurts, causing them to need to suckle for long periods of time. Conscientious moms often discontinue breastfeeding when this occurs, thinking that something must be wrong and that their baby will starve if they continue. The action of the baby suckling stimulates the production of more milk. If the mother is drinking plenty of water, isn’t under excessive stress and has the time to allow the baby suckle as needed, her milk supply will increase and then the baby won’t need to nurse as often (until the next growth spurt). Many new moms find it helpful to attend La Leche league meetings, hire a lactation consultant or see a naturopathic doctor (see www.drlorrainecaron.com).
Submitted by Joan D Waters, ND
www.practicalhealthsolutions.com
