Great news for new moms: getting vaccinated against COVID-19 may not only protect you — it could also help protect your baby. A recent study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that vaccinated women can pass COVID-19 antibodies to their breastfeeding infants.
Yes, you read that right — babies can receive some level of immune protection from their mothers through breast milk.
What the Study Discovered
This study is the first to find COVID-19 antibodies in the stool of babies whose moms were vaccinated. That’s a big deal. It means the antibodies from the vaccine are not only present in the mother’s body and milk but are also making their way into the baby’s system.
Researchers measured immune responses in both breast milk and infant stool samples. The results showed that antibodies specifically targeting the COVID-19 virus were being passed from mother to baby through breastfeeding.
One cool part? These antibodies showed up in babies of all ages — from just over a month old to nearly two years.
Here’s how they did it:
- Thirty breastfeeding moms from around the U.S. took part.
- Most were healthcare workers who received the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine between January and April 2021.
- The team collected samples of breast milk, blood, and baby poop (yep!) at different points before and after vaccination.
-They tested for two types of antibodies: IgG and IgA, which help the immune system recognize and fight viruses like COVID-19.
- Results showed these antibodies in both breast milk and in 30-33% of the babies’ stool samples. And get this — moms who had stronger vaccine side effects (like a sore arm or feeling tired) were more likely to pass on more antibodies to their babies. So, if you felt rough after your shot, your baby might have gained some extra benefit.
Why It Matters
Pregnant and breastfeeding women weren’t included in the original vaccine trials, so studies like this are key. This new research helps answer a big question for new moms: Can my baby get some protection from my vaccination?
The answer, according to this study, is yes. And that’s empowering information for parents trying to make the best decisions for their family.
While more research is still needed, this is a strong step in the right direction — and more evidence that getting vaccinated while breastfeeding is not only safe, but possibly protective for your little one.
Source: https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2022/02000/neutralizing_…
Comments