Breastfeeding and Allergies: Protection Now and for the Future

By P. Christine Smith

Breastfed babies are provided with protection from developing allergies during the breastfeeding period, and well into the future. "Two major reasons," explains Ann Russell, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and La Leche League Leader in Poway, Calif. "[Breastfed] babies are exposed to fewer allergens in the first months of life, and secondly, the first feedings of colostrum literally 'seal the gut' (the porous lining of the intestines), providing a barrier to the absorption of allergy-producing agents."

Additionally, both colostrum and mother's mature milk are rich in antibodies, providing a baby with the benefit of the mother's immune system until the baby develops his own functional immune system at about 6 months of age.

The earlier and more often food is ingested, "The greater likelihood of a food becoming an allergen," explains Russell. Cow's milk tops the list of food allergens. "There are more than 20 substances in cow's milk that have been shown to be human allergens," says Russell.

Baby formulas are derived from cow's milk. While soy formulas are available for babies with allergic reactions to milk products, Russel says that babies along the way to finding the right formula are very unhappy. Allergic reactions in babies range from spitting up, diarrhea and colic, to congestion, ear infections and sleeplessness.

According to information released by La Leche League International (LLLI), allergies have increased tenfold in the last twenty years. Currently, one in five children shows some degree of allergies by age 20. However, children breastfed for more than six months are seven times less likely to suffer from allergies at all.

Rebecca Escalante of San Diego, Calif. is the mother of three boys, ages 5, 7 and 9. She fed the two older boys formula, but breastfed the youngest. "My oldest boy suffers from allergies all the time, to the point where he gets frequent double-ear infections and is becoming immune to antibiotics," Escalante says. "My middle boy has some allergies, but my youngest, the one I breastfed, has no allergies whatsoever. I firmly believe that my youngest, Nick, is so healthy because he was a breastfed baby." She breastfed Nick for more than eleven months.

According to Russell, receiving the lifelong benefit of reduced occurrence of allergies in relation to breastfeeding stems from the development of the immune system. Babies who are fed breastmilk solely for the first six months of life are only exposed to what the mother eats and secretes into her milk, lessening the absorption of these foods. The introduction of other foods prior to the full development of the baby's immune system may set him up for a lifetime of sensitivities to certain foods.

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