Backwash effect (breastfeeding)
The backwash effect in breastfeeding refers to the phenomenon where an infant's saliva enters the mother's breast during nursing, potentially triggering changes in breast milk composition. This process is hypothesized to allow for dynamic adaptation of breast milk to meet the infant's specific immunological needs, providing tailored immune protection. Understanding this mechanism highlights the complex interaction between mother and child during breastfeeding and its importance in infant health.[1]
History
The concept of the backwash effect in breastfeeding emerged in the early 21st century as researchers began investigating the dynamic nature of breast milk composition. In 2004, an ultrasound study published in Pediatrics demonstrated the backward flow of milk from the nipple towards the back of the breast, providing evidence for the possibility of infant saliva entering the mammary gland during breastfeeding.[2] This observation led to the hypothesis that infants might communicate their immunological needs to their mothers through this mechanism. Subsequent studies, including those conducted by Foteini Kakulas and colleagues at the University of Western Australia, further explored this idea by examining changes in breast milk composition in response to infant infections.[3]
Mechanism
During breastfeeding, the infant's suckling creates negative pressure that can cause a small amount of milk mixed with infant saliva to flow back into the nipple and milk ducts. This retrograde flow is thought to introduce pathogens or other signals from the infant's mouth into the mother's mammary gland.[3] This may enable the mother's immune system to respond specifically to pathogens encountered by the infant.
Potential Effects
Some researchers hypothesize that the backwash effect may:
- Inform the mother's immune system about pathogens to which the infant has been exposed.
- Trigger increased production of leukocytes and antibodies in breast milk.
- Allow for tailored immune protection based on the infant's specific needs.[4]
Evidence
While the backwash effect is an intriguing hypothesis, direct evidence in humans remains limited. Some studies have observed:
- Increased levels of leukocytes in breast milk during times of infant illness.[3]
- Changes in breast milk composition in response to infant infections.[5]
However, more research is needed to definitively establish the mechanism and significance of the backwash effect in human breastfeeding. Some experts suggest that mechanical factors and other biological processes may also contribute to changes in breast milk composition.[6]
See Also
References
- ^ Kakulas, Foteini; Geddes, Donna (2015-05-15). "Breastmilk Is Alive: The Living Breast Milk Cell and Its Influence on Infant Health". Advances in Nutrition. 6 (3): 267S–269S. doi:10.3945/an.114.007294. PMC 4424048. PMID 25979496.
- ^ Ramsay, D. T.; Kent, J. C.; Owens, R. A.; Hartmann, P. E. (February 2004). "Ultrasound imaging of milk ejection in the breast of lactating women". Pediatrics. 113 (2): 361–367. doi:10.1542/peds.113.2.361. PMID 14754950.
- ^ a b c Hassiotou, Foteini; Geddes, Donna T.; Hartmann, Peter E. (2013-05). "Cells in Human Milk: State of the Science". Journal of Human Lactation. 29 (2): 171–182. doi:10.1177/0890334413477242. PMID 23515088.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Newmark, Lauren Milligan (2022). "Baby Backwash Can Trigger Immune Response in Milk". Milk Genomics. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
- ^ Twardon, Anna; Krawczyk, Beata; Jarosińska, Anna; Popko, Katarzyna; Demkow, Urszula (2023-08-29). "Immunomodulatory Effect of Infectious Disease of a Breastfed Child on the Composition of Breast Milk". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20 (17): 6577. doi:10.3390/ijerph20176577. PMC 10490220. PMID 37748839.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ Seppo, Antti E.; Autti-Rämö, Ilona; Vaarala, Outi (2005-10). "Breast Milk IgA to Foods Has Different Epitope Specificities than Serum IgA—Relation to Cow's Milk Allergy in Infants". Allergy. 60 (10): 1267–1274. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00866.x. PMID 16135019.
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