Mother’s Milk: A “Human Vaccine” Against Infection
I interviewed a friend of mine who works in public health about breastfeeding being baby’s first natural immunization, in the hopes of sorting out perceptions and realities when it comes to germs, diseases, and vaccines from a ‘green’ perspective…
AJ: We’ve all heard doctors explain how breast milk protects newborns via antibodies, proteins and immune cells, but rather than deep dive into the science of secretory IgA molecules, I’m going to ask a simple ‘Earth mom’ question…Is breastfeeding enough of a ‘human vaccine?’
R: ‘Breast is best’ to boost immunity from infections, reduce respiratory illnesses…But breastfeeding ONLY offers limited protection from serious diseases like measles, pneumonia, and whooping cough.
Breastfeeding works synergistically with immunizations, boosting the levels of protection against disease to actually increase the protection your baby gets. ALL ingredients in vaccines serve a purpose, whether it’s triggering a child’s immune response, or keeping them germ free. Even though we’ve eradicated some diseases in this country before, our mobile society makes it easy to have them come right back over on a plane…‘Herd protection’ only goes so far.
- » See also: Disney Admits Baby Einstein Does NOT Increase Intelligence
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AJ: Would you recommend breastfeeding DURING shots to soothe and comfort or will the baby associate breastfeeding with a vaccine and have reverb?
R: Breastfeeding is a great way to comfort your baby during shots. Babies who are breastfed during immunization show even fewer signs of pain and stress than those who are held but not breastfed. Plus, it allows baby to be close to you. Even knowing how important baby shots are, it’s still hard to watch your child get ‘em…
AJ: Breastfeeding eco-moms are pretty vigilant about researching what goes into their bods, from herbal remedies and natural pregnancy teas to what might cause the baby gas…How would you reassure moms about the unnatural ingredients in vaccines? Are there staggered shot series or greener, safer vaccines?
R: Well, it was almost ten years ago when thimerosal was removed from vaccines, and now vaccines contain only trace amounts or no mercury at all, but the autism controversy continues. (see updated FDA/thimerosal-free stats) Breastfeeding moms are going to want to reassure themselves, it’s only natural, but the AAP, World Health Organization, and CDC found no evidence to suggest a link, and if you look at all sides in this WebMD feature it’s easy to see it’s not just the government recommending breastfeeding AND vaccines combined, for example, the nonprofit Institute of Medicine goes so far as to say there is NOT a causal link…
AJ: I read two doctors with opposite stances in Cookie Magazine debating the pros and cons of vaccines and was surprised to see Amanda Peet in the same issue, vehemently in favor of vaccines. (being an eco-mom and all) What about homeopathy, herbal medicines and lactation? Are there any other public health/breastfeeding tips you can give us?
R: I’d say check with the doctor on herbals, as they ARE medicines, just like any other medication, vitamin, or lifestyle choice that could impact the mother’s milk.
As for public health tips…local lactation consultants are avail, and free or low-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program too…hopefully hospitals have switched to freebie breastfeeding pads, balms and lotions instead of formula. If not, speak up!
Related Posts on Breastfeeding from Eco Child’s Play:
Kentucky Mom Asked to Leave a McDonald’s for Breastfeeding
Why Breastfeeding Can Be Frustrating for Stay-At-Home Dads
Breastfeeding While on Anti-Depressants for Postpartum Depression
Visual Credit: Health Department/caduceus: health.vctx.org
Hmm…very surprised to see pro vaccine info on a “green” site. Pumping our kids full of chemicals insn’t green.
Tiffany, we have a lot of writers expressing different variances on the green spectrum. My stance on vaccines is different than expressed here, but I do agree that I only feel comfortable with my choices because the rest of the children are vaccinated. I am choosing my children’s health over public health, and that may be selfish decision others can’t support. It is only through being informed that we can make decisions.
I personally have a friend whose baby died of whooping cough! This day in age kids are still dying from things that could have been prevented by a shot. I agree that maybe there is some work to be done to make vaccines even greener but I get vaccinated and my children do too. I’ll do anything to keep them healthy.
Tiffany, as a media analyst I have ‘question authority’ (and studies/resources/funding/vested interests, and big pharm incentives) in my crosshairs ALWAYS, which is one of the reasons I chose to interview the public health gal pal, and link to the two doctors debating the issue in ‘point/counterpoint’ style.
It’s hard to go ‘in-depth’ in such short space, but to me, it was important to raise the issue, since several of my green mom friends support immunization fully but keep a VERY watchful eye on the ‘too much too soon/chem cocktail’ concerns. (In fact, even (outspoken celebs like McCarthy/Carrey reflect this same stance)
I tried to ask fair questions, and disclose she was from public health at the onset for media literacy candor…but not being a doc, I’m better with unearthing facts vs. embracing or disputing them. (I guess it’s a bit of the ‘don’t shoot the messenger’ adage coming into being)
For a great site that monitors big pharm well, I read: http://www.commercialalert.org They’re avid about precluding drug companies from marketing direct to consumers via ads, and always have updated links to legislation re: big pharm policy (like the Public Health Protection Act)
Yours in watchfulness, –Amy
The luxury to take the extreme ‘green’ stance on the subject of childhood immunizations depends upon the rest of the unwashed horde biting the bullet and getting it done. I’m sorry, that’s essentially opportunistic and exploitative. Our happy green children end up somewhat shielded from serious childhood disease, but not by indisputably wonderful practices such as breastfeeding so much as the decisions of other mothers across the globe to immunize their kids. One might argue that it’s pretty darn green to be responsible and get our kids immunized too, as AJ seems perhaps to be suggesting, thereby doing our part to be more in the solution than in the problem.
As an EcoMom up here in Marin County, CA (an area in which immunizations have been a hot topic), I’ve always supported vaccines. Being “green” is about choosing sustainable AND healthy options, and vaccinations are a part of this.
We (this generation of moms) seem to have lost our perspective on what constitutes an infectious disease (and how horrifying they are) because we have been fortunate enough to have our children at a time when modern medicine has erradicated them. Right? Wrong!
I have a two-year old who has had MRSA twice (an infectious disease that is transmitted skin to skin and can be fatal if not treated correctly.) There is nothing more heart-wrenching than sitting in a doctor’s office as they examine sensitivities cultures to determine whether the strain your child has is treatable or not — especially one that is constantly mutating — and which there is no vaccine!
Get your children vaccinated for the diseases in which immunizations are available. Could you live with yourself if not only your child was infected with a deathly illness, but also with the pain knowing that your child passed it on to others with what could be life-threatening consequences?
I feel comfortable refusing vaccines if everyone else gets them AND if no one else does. These diseases that vaccines protect against were nearly erradicated before vaccines came on the scene…graphs can be found online to prove this. If you believe vaccines “saved” us then I am sorry but you have bought into industry hype. There are several books on the market from reputable doctors that throughly trounce the most common arguments for immunization. We are made to believe vaccines are needed because pharma wants it that way.
I do admit that in many countries where the conditions are unsanitary and clean and healthy foods are in short supply, vaccines have a place. For healthy people vaccines have no place. Instead of pushing chemicals into my children I opt to help them achieve good health so they won’t need immunizations. Honestly I would like to see the return of some of these diseases so people can build natural, life long immunity….that they can then pass on to their babies via breastmilk. You cannot pass on vaccine immunity. I could definately live with myself if my child got chickenpox, measles, rubella, whooping cough, etc. Actually I am pretty sure all 3 of my kids did get whooping cough last year and they were/are fine. Illnes is natural and their bodies can deal with it and generally if allowed to get them while young these diseases pose no threat. They are not usually “life threatening” as the media would have us believe.
Also Stacy, I just met a lady yesterday whose vaccinated child got whooping cough from another vaccinated child. They were both fine by the way. Vaccine immunity wears off after only a few years. Natural immunity is permanent. If that baby’s mother had been allowed to get whooping cough she could have passed on her immunity through breastmilk. You can even blame vaccines in that scenario for the fact that her baby died…just food for thought.
And just one more thing. I got my oldest vaccinated and this is what followed…illness, fever, 30 minute seizure, respiratory arrest, a tube down his throat, and ICU for 3 days. He almost died. I should risk that for my other two for the greater good? Sorry but heck NO.
In this Age of Conversation/Web 2.0 I’m thrilled to see such respectful, heartfelt, and passionate via first person narratives.
As reticent as I was being the ‘new kid on the block’ writing for ECP and whacking the hornet’s nest first crack out of the box, I see now that this is exactly the kind of dialogue I aspire to have (and already enjoy!) on Shaping Youth…Thank you all for such great comments.
Our own personal experiences are pivotal thought-formers, and poignant reminders of the emotional/physical environments we’re exposed to and raised in…so this is all the more important to cut through the dogma and hear all sides, from all souls with open ears.
I mentioned to Jennifer I’m working on ‘part two’ of my ECP breastfeeding post re: body image/small size and my comfortable choice to ‘stay natural’ despite my ‘mosquito bite’ chest…And in researching a response to my teen’s query about celebs with ‘monster mammaries’ digging up data on same, I considered ‘holding off’ on any ‘breastfeeding with implants’ story due to the green blog audience.
Know what? Not worried anymore!
I’ll write and post that puppy pronto, because ECP has proved that ‘controversy’ on a green blog is what makes the topics more interesting, and green moms come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Just like breasts.
May not be my ‘cup of tea’ (my AAs are just fine, thank you) but someone out there might need those facts to make their baby healthier via breastfeeding in that manner, so I’ll write and post soon! Thanks for being such a great audience of readers…
p.s. Probono plug for worldwide babies: I’m also one of the authors of Age of Conversation, the global Web 2.0 collaboration/book raising money for Variety, the Children’s Charity. Check it out here: http://www.ageofconversation.com
Sorry to debunk your theory about how my friend’s baby died, Tiffany. The baby was actually too young to receive the immunization. She didn’t get it because she had also heard that whooping cough wasn’t that serious for her (healthy adult)–but no one suggested she get it to protect him. Her experience was a true eye opener for me. As for passing on antibodies through breast milk, the research I have done says that the body actually does just that when the mom gets vaccinated as well. Your body reacts to the killed virus in the vaccine and creates antibodies—natural antibodies (because you made them!) that can be passed on your child.
Also, a great resource is the March of Dimes website. They, as we know, heavily promote breastfeeding/maternal & child health, and their first major triumph was the discovery of the polio vaccine–food for thought.
I’m an EcoMom as well from Marin. I have made the choice twice to vaccinate both my kids who were by the way preemies!
I think vaccination is similar to breastfeeding and pro-choice. I’m glad there’s someone asking the questions (like Amy), blogging the info. out there and creating a discussion and allowing mom’s to make up their own minds about their own childrens health! It’s a very personal decision and one that should be respected.