There are many benefits when it comes to taking probiotics while breastfeeding. When mums consume probiotics, the health benefits also find their way into breast milk and are passed on to the baby. Breast milk is actually the source of our first immune-building “good” bacteria. Since the baby’s gut bacteria continues to culture throughout the nursing time, it is great for mums to continue taking probiotics especially bifidobacterium and lactobacillus in the postpartum period and as long as she breastfeeds.
Rinne, M., Kalliomaki, M., Arvilommi, H., Salminen, S. and Isolauri, E., 2005. Effect of probiotics and breastfeeding on the bifidobacterium and lactobacillus/enterococcus microbiota and humoral immune responses. The Journal of pediatrics, 147(2), pp.186-191.
Immunity for Mums and Babies
Breastfeeding can diminish the nutrients in a breastfeeding mum’s body, leaving her with a weakened immune system. This means that she becomes more vulnerable to illnesses, which can be passed on to her nursing baby. Probiotics help to build immunity for the mother and regulate her metabolism, which may fluctuate as she actively breastfeeds.
Rinne, M., Kalliomaki, M., Arvilommi, H., Salminen, S. and Isolauri, E., 2005. Effect of probiotics and breastfeeding on the bifidobacterium and lactobacillus/enterococcus microbiota and humoral immune responses. The Journal of pediatrics, 147(2), pp.186-191.
Prevent the incidence of NEC in breastfed infants
Postpartum maternal supplementation with probiotic bacteria may decrease the incidence of NEC in breastfed infants. Necrotising enterocolitis, or NEC, is a serious disease that affects the intestines of premature infants. It typically happens within the first 2 weeks of life in babies who are fed formula instead of breast milk. In this condition, bacteria invade the wall of the intestine. Inflammation sets in.
Benor, S., Marom, R., Tov, A.B., Domany, K.A., Zaidenberg-Israeli, G. and Dollberg, S., 2014. Probiotic supplementation in mothers of very low birth weight infants. American journal of perinatology, 31(06), pp.497-504.
Prevents Eczema
Many newborns are prone to developing eczema, a skin condition that causes dryness and irritation. By taking probiotics while breastfeeding, you can help prevent the infection for at least the first two years of your baby’s life.
Rautava, S., Kainonen, E., Salminen, S. and Isolauri, E., 2012. Maternal probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and breast-feeding reduces the risk of eczema in the infant. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 130(6), pp.1355-1360.
