Neonatal and Infant Immune System Support
 Our immune systems are never more fragile than when we are infants. In fact, the infant immune system isn't fully developed until the child is 6 months old. Until then, babies rely on the antibodies passed on by its mother and the nutrients it receives in early development.
Mothers pass on nutrients called immunoglobulin to their babies in order to build a foundation for the infant immune system. These nutrients, including immunoglobulin G (IgG); immunoglobulin A (IgA); immunoglobulin D (IgD); immunoglobulin E (IgE); and immunoglobulin M (IgM), are passed on to the baby through the placenta and breast milk. If the mother is unable to breast-feed, there are supplemental formulas that can provide the child with the vital nutrients they need to build a healthy infant immune system.
To prepare for the birth of the child, there are some easy steps a mother can take to help build strong immunity while pregnant:
- Maintain a low stress level
- Get plenty of sleep
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Consume vital nutrients that include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- Zinc
There is ongoing debate about the effect that vaccinations have on the infant immune system, so it is up to the mother to prepare the child as much as possible for life outside the womb. |
