Breastfeeding has long been praised for its multiple health advantages to both the mother and the newborn. Among these benefits, its protective effect against gastrointestinal disorders in infants is particularly significant. Gastrointestinal disorders, which include a range of conditions such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and colic, can have severe implications for infant health.
This article explores breastfeeding’s protective power in safeguarding infants against these disorders. It will examine the mechanisms behind this protection and highlight breastfeeding’s importance in promoting overall infant health.
The Prevalence and Impact of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infants
Gastrointestinal disorders are a major concern in infant health globally. Diarrhea alone is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among infants, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. According to UNICEF data, around 9% of all deaths among children below five years are caused by diarrhea. This means that 1,200 young children are dying every day due to this condition.
These disorders pose immediate health risks and can also have long-term consequences. Recurrent gastrointestinal infections can impair nutritional status, hinder growth and development, and weaken the immune system, making infants susceptible to other infections.
Breastfeeding and its Role in Preventing Gastrointestinal Disorders
Breastfeeding provides a unique blend of nutrients, immune factors, and bioactive compounds that collectively contribute to the protection against gastrointestinal disorders.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that infants breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life. It should be followed by sustained nursing and appropriate supplemental meals until two years of age or older. This recommendation is rooted in extensive research demonstrating the multifaceted benefits of breast milk.
Here’s what makes breast milk so important for children.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of breast milk also play a significant role in mitigating gastrointestinal disorders. By reducing inflammation in the gut, breast milk helps prevent conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). It is a severe and often fatal gastrointestinal disease in preterm infants.
An NCBI article states that the mortality rate of this condition is as high as 50%. As NEC progresses, it can cause peritonitis, sepsis, and ultimately death. While breastfeeding can help prevent the onset of the condition, using baby formula food can do the opposite. Several studies have found an association between baby formula and NEC development.
According to TorHoerman Law, parents and guardians are filing lawsuits against manufacturers like Enfamil and Similac. The core allegation is that manufacturers didn’t adequately inform consumers about the potential harm. Therefore, they should be held liable for the problems caused by their baby formula products.
These lawsuits are being consolidated into NEC multidistrict litigation (MDL). New cases are filed every month and added to the MDL. The latest NEC lawsuit update shows 496 pending cases in this MDL, 43 of which were filed in April 2024.
Immunological Benefits
Breast milk is rich in immunoglobulins, particularly secretory IgA (sIgA), which is crucial for mucosal immunity. sIgA binds to pathogens and toxins in the gut, preventing their attachment and entry into the intestinal mucosa. This mechanism significantly reduces the risk of gastrointestinal infections.
Moreover, breast milk contains various leukocytes and immune-modulating factors such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, and cytokines. They help enhance the infant’s immune response and fight infections.
A systematic review study from the Frontiers Journal shows the connection between breastmilk and various immune-mediated diseases. The diseases considered were diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, allergic/ asthma/wheezing conditions, neonatal lupus erythematosus, and colitis. It was concluded that breastfeeding plays a positive role as a protective factor against numerous diseases.
Nutritional Advantages
The nutritional composition of breast milk is ideally suited to the infant’s digestive system, promoting healthy gut flora. Oligosaccharides in breast milk work as prebiotics, promoting the development of good bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These bacteria inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, further protecting the infant from gastrointestinal infections.
The nutritional value of breast milk changes as the baby grows. Moreover, it also changes when you or your baby is sick. According to a Healthline article, your body starts antibodies against the infection when you are sick. These antibodies are transferred to the baby when you are sick. On the other hand, if your baby is sick, the number of leukocytes in breast milk increases. This helps as a protective factor.
Barriers to Breastfeeding and Strategies to Overcome Them
Despite the clear benefits of breastfeeding, many mothers face barriers that prevent them from initiating or continuing breastfeeding. These barriers can include lack of knowledge, cultural beliefs, inadequate maternity leave policies, and lack of support from healthcare systems and workplaces.
Comprehensive strategies are needed to overcome these barriers. Education and awareness efforts can assist moms and communities in understanding the benefits of breastfeeding. Healthcare providers are critical in encouraging and supporting breastfeeding through prenatal counseling and postpartum support. Policies that provide adequate maternity leave and create breastfeeding-friendly workplace environments are also essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does breastfeeding lessen stomach infections?
Breastfeeding has been demonstrated to greatly prevent newborns’ gastrointestinal illnesses. Breast milk contains antibodies, mainly immunoglobulin A (IgA), and other immunological components that aid in the fight against infections. These antibodies provide a protective coating in the infant’s intestines, keeping dangerous bacteria and viruses from causing illnesses.
What does nursing protect against?
In addition to lowering gastrointestinal infections, breastfeeding protects against other diseases and ailments. Breastfed infants are less likely to acquire lung, ear, or urinary tract infections. Furthermore, breastfeeding is linked to a lower incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), obesity, and type 2 diabetes later in life.
Does nursing protect mothers from illness?
Breastfeeding also provides protective advantages to the mother. It has been associated with a decreased chance of getting specific forms of cancer, such as breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding also helps to regulate the mother’s hormones, perhaps lowering the risk of postpartum depression. It also promotes a faster return to pre-pregnancy weight by burning more calories. Breastfeeding produces oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract and recover to its normal size more rapidly, minimizing postpartum hemorrhage.
To summarize, breastfeeding has unequivocal protective power against infant gastrointestinal disorders. Through its unique combination of immunological, nutritional, and bioactive components, breast milk provides comprehensive protection against various gastrointestinal conditions. Breastfeeding has benefits beyond acute protection, including long-term health and development.
Promoting and supporting breastfeeding should be a public health priority, particularly in settings where the burden of gastrointestinal diseases is high. By addressing barriers and implementing supportive policies, we can ensure that more infants receive the unparalleled benefits of breastfeeding.
