More than 300 million people around the world suffer from asthma. Hay fever, food allergies, and other allergic diseases affect around 3 in 10 people globally. During the last few decades, these conditions have increased rapidly, creating a waterfall of negative health impacts. Because these conditions are chronic, the harmful and disruptive symptoms of these diseases take a toll on quality of life among sufferers.

How can you reduce your child’s risk of allergic diseases?

Breast milk offers hope for parents who want to spare their children a lifetime of sniffling and sneezing. Most doctors and scientists agree that breast milk is “the gold standard for healthy growth and development.” In addition to being custom tailored to your infant’s needs, breast milk is associated with a lower incidence of allergic and infectious diseases in childhood and young adulthood. Although scientists can’t completely explain how breast milk does that magic it does, they’re certain that breastfeeding leads to a more mature immune system, which reduces the risk of allergies.

What makes breast milk so special to baby’s immune system?

Research has shown that nutrients (carbohydrates, fatty acids, etc.) and bioactive factors (enzymes, hormones, growth factors, etc.) in human milk protect against early respiratory infections. These same factors boost the integrity of your baby’s gut ecosystem, which reduces your baby’s risk of severe conditions, such diabetes, obesity, infections, and allergic diseases. These benefits can follow baby all the way to adulthood!

How do I maximize the health benefits of breastfeeding?

When you nurse your newborn, your immune system interacts with your baby’s immune system to create the perfect nutritional blend, including early, beneficial exposure to allergens. This offers protection against a number of chronic conditions, including asthma and allergies. In order to get the maximum health benefits from breast milk, scientists recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of life and up to two years of age.

What if I can’t exclusively breastfeed?

Not all moms can breastfeed full-time, and some moms find it impossible. That doesn’t mean you have to give up the health benefits of breast milk. A comfortable, reliable breast pump allows you to continue providing breast milk to your baby even if you have to return to work or if you’ve been struggling with breastfeeding for any reason. While breast milk that is pumped isn’t tailored to your newborn’s needs like milk produced during a feeding session, it still contains the best combination of nutrients and bioactive factors available to your baby.

You’re the gold standard when it comes to your baby’s health.

Whether you nurse or pump, the milk your body is making for your little one is pure health gold. If you need help choosing a pump that will encourage milk production, give us a call or email us. We’re happy to provide guidance and support as you make your decision.