We come into contact with millions of germs each day, yet most people only get truly sick two or three times per year. We rely on our immune systems to fight off the germs and protect us from bacteria and viruses that can make us ill. However, we are not born with an up-and-running immune system from the moment of our birth. The newborn's immune system must be strengthened and developed during the first several months of life.
While a baby is still in the mother's womb, he or she receives the building blocks of the immune system. From the mother through the placenta, the baby acquires immunoglobulin G, or IgG, which is the most prevalent antibody in the immune system, comprising 75-80% of your germ fighters. Because these antibodies bind to invading bacteria and viruses, they are a major part of your immune system, and they help prevent infections while the baby is still in the womb.
At the time of birth, babies still have the high amount of IgG in their bloodstream, yet their overall immunity to germs is still not completely developed. Now, the newborns must receive further immune system help via the breast milk. However, the first thing secreted from the breasts is actually the colostrum. It is a thick, carbohydrate-rich substance that is easier for a baby to digest. Additionally, the colostrum is packed with antibodies to give the newborn a first package of other, adaptive immunoglobulin types.
Once the regular breast milk starts to flow, it also contains necessary immune system components. By drinking breast milk, babies receive doses of immunoglobulins A, E, M, D, and more IgG. This is called passive immunity. However, this does not mean that the immunoglobulin doesn't fight germs-it just means that the mother has transferred active immunity to her child ("passed" it on).
Over time, the mother gives less and less immunity to the baby via the breast milk. In fact, the newborn's germ-fighting system begins making its own antibodies when the child is 2-3 months old. The production of antibodies does not reach a normal adult rate until the baby is about six months of age.
When a child is newly born, its immunity is not yet strong enough to protect it from harm. Thus, doctors and hospitals should be very careful with allowing newborns to come into contact with things that can cause possible birth infections.
If your baby has developed a birth infection as a result of hospital negligence, you should contact a birth injury attorney to discuss your rights. For more information, check out the experienced birth injury lawyers from Lowenthal & Abrams, PC today.
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