When you kiss your baby, something magical happens. You are not just showing love and affection, but you are also unknowingly transferring some of the pathogens on her skin to yourself. These pathogens, or germs, can include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. But don’t worry, this is actually a good thing!
Once these pathogens enter your body through the tiny breaks in your skin or through the mucous membranes in your mouth, they make their way to your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. It also plays a crucial role in the immune system.
When the pathogens reach your lymphatic system, they trigger your body’s immune response. Your immune system recognizes these foreign invaders and begins producing antibodies to fight them off. Antibodies are proteins that specifically target and neutralize pathogens, helping your body to recover from infections.
But here’s the interesting part – these antibodies that your body produces don’t just stay within you. They can also be passed on to your baby through your breast milk. Breast milk is an amazing substance that provides numerous benefits to your baby, including essential nutrients, hormones, and immune-boosting factors.
When you kiss your baby and the pathogens on her skin stimulate your immune system, the antibodies that are produced make their way into your breast milk. This means that when your baby breastfeeds, she is not only getting all the nourishment she needs, but she is also receiving a dose of these antibodies. This can help strengthen her immune system and provide added protection against the pathogens she may come into contact with.
The transfer of antibodies through breast milk is known as passive immunity. It is called passive because the baby doesn’t have to actively produce the antibodies herself – she simply receives them from her mother. This is one of the many reasons why breastfeeding is often recommended as it provides a natural and effective way to protect your baby against infections and illnesses.
It’s important to note that the transfer of antibodies through breast milk is not limited to just kissing. Simply being in close physical contact with your baby, cuddling, and breastfeeding can also facilitate the transfer of antibodies. So, while kissing your baby is a beautiful expression of love, it also has the added benefit of boosting her immune system.
Kissing your baby can indeed change your breast milk, but in a positive way. By transferring pathogens from your baby’s skin to your lymphatic system, your body produces antibodies that can help strengthen your baby’s immune system. These antibodies then pass through your breast milk, providing added protection and boosting her ability to fight off infections. So, go ahead and shower your little one with kisses – it’s not just a show of affection, but it’s also helping to keep her healthy and strong.