A 43-year-old member asked:
can you guys tell me how beneficial is breastfeeding past 1 year in terms of antibodies and immunity?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Shalabh Bansalanswered
Pediatrics 13 years experience
Breastfeeding: It has been shown to be very beneficial to an infant until it begins to develop its own antibodies by 6 months of age. It is a personal decision to breastfeed beyond 1 year of age. Mother nature does things the best - so if you are willing to continue breastfeeding, more power to you.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 46 years experience
Not a major issue: The main antibody of breastmilk is iga, which acts as an agent to prevent germs from adhering to the gut and digging in to cause infection.After solids are introduced, the effect is diluted, and after 9 mo or so, the antibody issue fades in importance.Bf is more than milk and antibodies, it is a nurturing event.Bf after a year is more benefit to the kid who is not ready to give up nurturing.
4.9k viewsReviewed Sep 29, 2020
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Last updated Sep 29, 2020
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