How it works
Antibodies are protective proteins manufactured by the immune system. The most predominant antibody found in breastmilk is called secretory IgA. Secretory IgA prevents microbes and other antigenic materials from reaching the mucosal membranes such as the throat, lungs and intestines - where the majority of infections begin.
Antibodies fight "antigens" - which are any substance that the body's immune system rejects, such as pollen or dust. A mother's body produces antibodies that are environment-specific. In other words, if a mother and her nursling are standing in the grocery line with another shopper who has a cold, both mom and baby will probably be exposed. But, the mother's body will produce antibodies that will help her fight the illness, and those antibodies will be passed to her baby through her breastmilk.
Sounds like the perfect system, doesn't it? Unfortunately, a mother's body can't make antibodies for everything her baby is susceptible to. When a breastfed baby develops a severe allergy, some may wonder why. Researchers don't know the answer for sure, but some speculate that because a baby's genetic make-up is not exactly the same as the mother's, the antibodies passed on won't be exactly what the baby needs. They offer incredible protection against many antigens, but can't protect the baby from everything.
The milk allergy
One of the most common allergies in babies and toddlers is the milk protein allergy. Fortunately, this allergy doesn't have to be a problem for a nursing child. Like most environment-specific allergies, the antigen can be avoided - eliminating the cause for reaction. With patience and careful attentiveness, breastfeeding can continue without problems - and breastmilk can be the best fluid a child with the allergy can get.
Milk protein allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance, which is not common in young children. Because a baby's stomach lining is more immature than an adult's, the incompatibility of cow's milk protein with the lining of the gut can precipitate an allergic reaction. Breastmilk is the most complete food. Unlike cow's milk, it is easily broken down by the baby's stomach and digested rapidly. Human milk is perfect for human babies.
Unfortunately, a mother's intake of cow's milk might cause symptoms in baby if the protein is being passed through the breastmilk. In this case, the mother may need to eliminate dairy products from her diet to see if symptoms clear up. This should first be evaluated by an allergist and physician before diet changes are made, to rule out other causes for symptoms in baby.
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