In the News
Among the many advantages of feeding babies breast milk is the crucial immune support it provides, even when it’s pumped. “Fresh breast milk has a multitude of immunoactive components, antibodies included,” said Jenelle Ferry, M.D., neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition, and infant development at Pediatrix® Neonatology of Florida. “There are multiple types of antibodies and the largest concentration of antibodies in human milk is a type known as immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is also the most abundant type of antibody in the human body,” Ferry continued. “Levels of this antibody in breast milk are even higher than in mom’s blood.” While there are benefits to direct nursing, antibodies aren’t compromised with pumped milk, she noted.
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