Search for tests or checkups
SupportHow Breastfeeding Protects Babies from Allergies

Ever wondered why doctors emphasize breastfeeding so much in the first few months of life? Turns out, breast milk isn’t just food, it’s nature’s way of handing a newborn their very first immunity kit.
We explore this fascinating connection in our latest podcast episode with Dr. Gurmeet Bhalla, Allergist, in conversation with our co-founder Dhruv.
Watch the clip: How breastfeeding protects against allergies
Why Breast Milk Is Like a Magic Potion
Breast milk is packed with antibodies, protective proteins, and immune-modulating cells. These aren’t just fancy medical terms, they’re little soldiers that help your baby fight off viruses, bacteria, fungi, and even inflammation.
That’s why breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk of allergic reactions. Simply put: the mother’s milk trains the baby’s immune system, teaching it how to respond to threats without overreacting.
The Role of Delivery Type
But breastfeeding isn’t the only natural defense at play.
The way a child is born also shapes their immune health.
- Vaginal delivery exposes the baby to beneficial microbes from the birth canal, giving them a stronger foundation for immunity.
- Cesarean delivery, on the other hand, bypasses this exposure. Studies show children born via C-section tend to have a higher risk of developing allergies later in life.
How It All Connects
Together, breastfeeding and vaginal delivery form nature’s perfect tag team. One equips the baby with live microbes, the other with immune-boosting antibodies. Both reduce the likelihood of allergies and build resilience against infections.
The Takeaway
Breast milk isn’t just nutrition, it’s protection. And the mode of delivery plays a role in shaping how a child’s immune system develops.
While modern medicine offers alternatives when needed, these natural processes remind us of how beautifully designed our bodies are to nurture and protect new life.
We dive deeper into this in Episode 10 of The Orange Club Podcast: Breastfeeding & Immunity: How Nature Protects Your Child from Allergies, Dr. Bhalla breaks down the science behind antibodies in breast milk and why delivery methods matter more than we think.

Common Misconceptions About Full Body Checkups

Understanding 6 Primary Types of Allergies & Their Characteristics
