Do you need one more reason to breastfeed?
Breastfeeding has been found to help the infant populate their gut biome. A study was recently done which showed that there is vertical transfer of microbes from the mother to her infant. The infant gut is born without much gut bacteria and breast milk AND contact with the mother’s skin on her breast has been shown to seed the infant gut micro biome and maintain it even after solid foods are introduced.
This transfer of bacteria from mothers’ milk and skin to the infants’ gut is most prominent during the first month of the infant’s life and declines over time as formula and solid food are introduced.
Breastfeeding is suggested by the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics to be the exclusive form of nutrition from birth until 6 months and continued with food until at least 12 months.