Breastfeed to Protect Against Cold and Flu

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So why exactly IS the breast the best food for your baby? Why is breastmilk especially important during the cold and flu season?

Breastmilk is a live substance that CAN NOT BE DUPLICATED EVER and when you and/or the baby get exposed to something your body starts making antibodies to help protect the baby. Maybe even keep them from getting sick at all. This IS NOT something that formula can do. If mom comes down with cold or flu-like symptoms: body aches, congestion, etc. her immune system fights the illness with immune properties that pass into her milk. In this way, the baby receives protection from the specific illness to which he may have been exposed.

During cold and flu season, oftentimes a breastfed baby is the only one in the family to remain free of symptoms. If the baby does show symptoms, they are usually less severe and pass more quickly than in other family members. I know this from personal experience. My daughter Paige has been breastfed for almost 2 years now. She has never been sick despite the fact that all other family members have had several cold or flu bugs. This is the greatest proof for me that breastmilk is truly a “gift” that you can give your children.

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