How to boost the immunity of a breastfeeding mother and her baby

Autumn is the season of colds, both for adults and especially for children. Breastfeeding mothers in particular are more susceptible, because breastfeeding is very energy-demanding, and if a woman is just running around the household and the baby and not taking much care of herself, any health complication can catch up with her. So how should mothers strengthen their immunity? And what about immunity in babies?

How to strengthen the immunity of a breastfeeding woman

A varied and balanced diet

Food is medicine for all illnesses. Often, just a few small changes in the diet are enough for the mother to start feeling better right away. The most important foods for a breastfeeding woman are meat, healthy fats, eggs, broths, fruit, vegetables, and dairy products. We wrote more about diet in the article Diet of a breastfeeding mother.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C combined with selenium and zinc is important for immunity. If the mother does not pay much attention to her diet, she will certainly be missing the vitamins she needs to stay healthy and have the strength to care for her baby. It is therefore better to get vitamins from a balanced diet. However, if vitamins are still lacking, the most easily absorbed ones are liposomal. No matter what form a woman uses to supplement the necessary vitamins and minerals, it is important to remember that this really matters, because in the case of a deficiency, these substances are taken from the mother's body so they can pass through breast milk to the baby, which then has a negative impact on her health.

Enough exercise

During the postpartum period, the mother should take it easy and, rather than anything else, get to know her baby in bed. Cuddle with them, breastfeed them, give them the contact they need. Of course, this is not always possible, especially if she has other children at home who need her. Either way, exercise should be part of the mother's daily routine so she stays fit. Especially exercise outdoors, whether walking with a stroller or with the child in a sling/carrier. In summer, being outside also gives her vitamin D from the sun; in winter, she draws strength from daylight, of which there is much less than in summer.

Enough sleep

Every mother, especially a new one, is certainly battling a lack of sleep. Night wakings, often accompanied by crying, are truly exhausting. Co-sleeping in one bed is ideal, as it eliminates the need to get up at night to the crib and prevents full waking. Our bed rails are perfect for this. Daytime rest is important too. So when the baby sleeps, the mother should either sleep as well or rest. The household can wait, and with enough rest, everything will then go faster.

How to strengthen immunity in a baby

Non-sterile environment

It may sound crazy, but contact with bacteria is great for the development of immunological memory. Simply put, it is good when the baby does not live in a completely sterile environment and gets dirty from time to time, licks dirty fingers, or puts a stone or stick in their mouth while exploring the outdoors.

Breast milk

Breast milk is nicknamed liquid gold and is very important for a baby's immunity. It contains lots of vitamins, minerals, and also antibodies that are made specifically for the baby. If possible, it is great if the child is breastfed at least until the age of two. If this is not possible for any reason, then every additional day of breastfeeding counts.

Fresh air

Walks are a given and benefit both mother and baby. If the baby sleeps at home, the room should be sufficiently aired out, or they can sleep with the window open.

Quality food

When introducing complementary foods, it is also important to pay attention to a balanced and high-quality diet, ideally organic foods. The foods that are important for the mother are also important for her child. That means meat, broths, eggs, dairy products, fruit, and vegetables. You can find more information in the article about first complementary foods.

Dress according to the baby

It is said that a baby should be dressed the same as an adult, plus one extra layer. But not all of us feel cold and heat the same way. Some people are fine in a T-shirt and shorts, while others need a sweatshirt and long pants. Children are the same, so we should dress them according to the baby's temperature. Better to wear more thinner layers that can be added or removed. If a baby overheats, it will not help their immunity much, and in the future they will not be able to warm themselves up sufficiently on their own. Gradual hardening of babies is not a bad thing at all.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that on cold days you and your children will manage everything in good health and won’t get stuck in the endless cycle of illness. Think about strengthening immunity throughout the whole year so you’re not caught off guard later.