How to strengthen your immune system while breastfeeding. Immunity and breastfeeding

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A person’s entire life is a continuous process of studying the world around him. Our immune system is also constantly learning. In order to effectively destroy the enemy, she must know him by sight. When an unfamiliar pathogen enters the body, the immune system carefully studies it and meets it fully armed the next time.

The newborn's immune system starts with a clean slate. In order to get stronger and turn into a reliable shield for the body, it needs to “get acquainted” with all microbes and viruses. In the meantime, while the first training is taking place, the child’s body is protected by the mother’s “experienced” immunity.

The fetus receives antibodies from the mother through the placenta

This has been happening over the past three months. Imagine a state that is at war and sends a request for help to two allies. One ally has an army of one hundred thousand, seasoned in many battles. The other has only a thousand soldiers, and even those are mostly recruits. Whose help will be more effective? Same with immunity.

The amount and types of antibodies that the fetus receives depend on the mother's immune status.

For example, if a woman was ill before pregnancy or was vaccinated, she will be able to provide protection for the child. If you haven’t been sick and haven’t been vaccinated, there will be no protection.

Another example is genital herpes. During childbirth (much less often during pregnancy through the placenta), the mother can infect the child. In a newborn, herpes leads to serious complications, including damage to the nervous system, mental retardation, and death. But if a woman gets sick before pregnancy, the risks are minimal. After all, her immune system has already learned to fight the virus and knows how to protect the baby. Infection in the later stages is much more dangerous: the immune system of the expectant mother does not have time to “learn” and take action.

Mom's bacteria protect baby after childbirth

When a child is born, the first thing that greets him is not obstetricians, but bacteria. The microflora of the mother's vagina immediately penetrates the newborn's body and begins to populate his intestines.

The intestinal microbiota performs many beneficial functions, and one of them is “training” the immune system. In addition, “their” bacteria protect the territory from “foreign” ones. Thus, during childbirth, the baby receives its first “vaccination”.

Antibodies are passed on in breast milk

It has been proven that breastfed children suffer from infections less often than bottle-fed children and recover faster.

There are several types of antibodies, all of them are present in. Most of all immunoglobulins are class A (while immunoglobulins G are transmitted through the placenta). They protect the intestines, because it is through it that harmful microbes often enter the body. Maternal antibodies are selective: they do not affect representatives of normal.

When the mother’s body encounters new microbes, it quickly produces the necessary immunoglobulins and passes them on to the child.

However, it's not just about antibodies. Breast milk contains all the nutrients necessary for the normal development of the baby’s own immunity: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, probiotics. And everything is in ideal proportions.

After six months the child becomes more independent

When a child receives ready-made antibodies from his mother, this is passive immunization. It only lasts for a while. After birth, the level of maternal antibodies gradually decreases and disappears after 6-12 months.

From now on, the baby’s body is left alone with a cruel world filled with pathogens of dangerous diseases. Fortunately, doctors know how to put children’s immunity through an accelerated and safe “young fighter course” so that they can fight back against the most severe infections. They are used as simulators. Such immunization is called active, that is, the child’s body itself produces antibodies; doctors only “teach” it.

At the same time, regular training takes place in the field. For example, insidious ARVI viruses lurk around every corner. There are about 200 varieties of them, and they are constantly mutating and changing.

The body's defenses determine mood, energy, desire and ability to do something, and this is all - quality of life. The immunity of a nursing mother may decrease during pregnancy and then during breastfeeding. How to identify possible deviations? You can improve your health both with the advice of official medicine and with “grandmother’s recipes.”

Read in this article

Signs of a decrease in the body's defenses

Even during pregnancy, a woman’s immunity decreases significantly. This is necessary in order to tolerate the half-alien genetic material embedded in the baby. That is why all pregnant women are more susceptible to infectious diseases and other manifestations of immunodeficiency than others.

Childbirth, during which significant blood loss occurs even during its normal course, and then breastfeeding - all this continues to “test” a woman’s protective powers. And if you don’t feel sorry for yourself and don’t take the advice of doctors and loved ones, you can unnoticed not only worsen your general well-being, but also become seriously ill later.

Immunity is largely determined by blood cells, leukocytes. Some are responsible for an immediate reaction to the causative agent of the disease, others contain information about the pathology that was once suffered. But their work also depends on the woman’s hormonal background (the function of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands is especially important), on the condition of the mucous membranes (if they dry out, protection decreases), and many other factors.

It turns out that the woman who gave birth obviously has a reduced immunity. And whether this will manifest itself depends on the speed of its recovery.

The main signs of immunodeficiency include the following:

The word "immunity" comes from the Latin immunitas - "immune, freed from anything." Previously, it was believed that people with good immunity were simply immune to infectious diseases. Later it became clear that immunity not only protects us from infections - its range of “responsibilities” is much wider. This complex system, to which many organs are connected, is capable of distinguishing its own cells and their components from foreign ones. The targets of the immune system most often are microbes and viruses - carriers of foreign genetic information that invade the internal environment of the body. To maintain this environment, the body must repel the invasion of infectious agents. And when it comes to immunity, what is most often meant is the body’s ability to fight infectious diseases. A person experiences many of them throughout his life. As a rule, anti-infective immunity becomes stronger from this. It can be strengthened using various techniques, first of all.

However, immunity protects us not only from infections. Sometimes the body perceives as enemy agents completely harmless, at first glance, components of the surrounding world: some food products, tiny mites that live on the skin, the exfoliating epithelium of domestic animals, plant pollen. Sometimes the immune system begins to overly zealously protect the internal environment of the body from their penetration. This excessive reaction is called an allergy. Its manifestations such as sneezing, coughing, lacrimation, redness of the skin and itching are, in fact, the ways in which the body defends itself against “interventionists.”

But the body can perceive as dangerous not only foreign cells, but also its own cells. This applies, in particular, to malignantly degenerated, genetically altered cells. As long as the immune system recognizes and neutralizes them, a person is protected from cancer. In addition, the immune system fights those cells of the body whose genetic structure has changed as a result of the action of viruses or some other harmful factors.

Thus, the consequences of the immune system can be twofold: on the one hand, it protects the body from dangers, and on the other, its inadequate reaction can cause serious deterioration in health.

The immune system has two main components. The so-called cellular immunity is the fight of immune system cells against foreign substances. Humoral immunity is the production of antibodies, or immunoglobulins (they are usually divided into five classes), which also help neutralize foreign structures.

How does infant immunity work?

The immunity of a child in the first year of life differs from the immunity of adults in that it is significantly less mature. Its formation occurs mainly in the first 12 months. By the age of one year, a child has a sufficiently developed immune system, and encountering infections is less dangerous for him. The baby is born with antibodies received in the womb through the placenta. These are antibodies of only one class, but the most important in terms of protection against infections - IgG. Various diseases of a pregnant woman, especially those accompanied by pathology of the placenta, can lead to their deficiency in the fetus. In addition, the duration of pregnancy affects the amount of antibodies in a newborn. The transfer of antibodies from mother to fetus occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy, therefore, in babies born much prematurely, at 28-32 weeks of pregnancy, the level of protective IgG antibodies is very low: these children are less protected from infections.

The disintegration of maternal antibodies occurs during the first year of life, and by approximately 3-6 months a significant part of them has already disintegrated. And, although from the first days after birth the body begins to produce antibodies on its own, at first their quantity is insufficient, and in the first three months of the baby’s life, exclusively maternal antibodies protect. After 12 months, the child fights infections only on his own, which by this time are already sufficient. By the end of the first year, cellular immunity is already ready for “defense”.

One of the features of the immunity of children in the first months of life is the inability to localize and limit infection: any infectious process can “capture” the child’s body completely (doctors call this generalization of infection). This is why it is necessary, for example, to take very careful care of the healing umbilical wound: if medications are not prescribed in time for its suppuration, the child may develop blood poisoning.

It is precisely because of these characteristics of immunity that children of the first year of life require special conditions of stay and special care. For infants, infectious diseases are undesirable and risky. Therefore, children in the first year of life should be protected in every possible way from contact with infections. True, this is not always possible, since a person is surrounded by a huge number of microorganisms from which it is impossible to isolate, for example, Candida fungi, streptococci, and virus. If the baby does get sick, doctors do not rely only on the strength of his immunity, but prescribe medication.

The imperfection of infants' immunity is also reflected in the fact that the immune response may be inadequate, which is why children in the first year of life very often develop allergies, mainly food allergies. And, although its manifestations are often harmless, some children also develop serious diseases - for example,. A sick child usually requires a strict diet, in which it is necessary to limit him in many foods. Fortunately, with age, as the immune and other systems mature, the manifestations of dermatitis usually soften.

Breast milk plays an important role in the development and maintenance of a child’s immunity: it contains a significant amount of maternal antibodies. True, antibodies obtained in this way act only in the intestines. They protect the child well from intestinal infections. In addition, the proteins of mother's milk are devoid of allergenic properties, so breastfeeding is the prevention of allergic diseases. But it has virtually no effect on the level of antibodies in the blood, so a breastfed baby gets sick with respiratory diseases or infections spread through the blood just as often as a formula-fed baby.

Immune deficiency

For millions of years, nature selected for subsequent reproduction only those human individuals who had strong immunity. Therefore, she created quite powerful genetic barriers that prevented the birth of children with pronounced hereditary defects. Nevertheless, such diseases are known. According to different classifications, there are from 40 to 80. The most common and least severe diseases occur in one child out of 3-4 thousand, and the rarest and most severe diseases occur in one out of 1-2 million.

Severe immunodeficiencies are caused by disorders in several parts of the immune system simultaneously. Their symptoms are uncontrollable, uncontrollable diarrhea. The child's development stops. And only with timely treatment, such children can be saved.

The cause of less severe immunodeficiencies may be any violation of the cellular or humoral component of the immune defense. Most often this is a hereditary deficiency of some class of immunoglobulins. It manifests itself as various purulent infections, such as bronchitis, skin lesions, diarrhea, which are difficult to treat and sometimes become chronic. Of course, the manifestations of severe immune disorders in question differ significantly from those nutritional disorders and household infections that usually occur in children of the first year of life. With immunodeficiencies, these problems take on completely different dimensions.

However, more often in children there are mild cases of immunodeficiency, for example, selective deficiency of immunoglobulin A. This is a harmless immune disorder that often does not affect the development and health of the child.

As a doctor, I often meet parents who, having read about all sorts of diseases, begin to make diagnoses for their child, including those related to immune disorders. Only a doctor can adequately assess the state of immunity in such cases. After observing the baby for months, the local pediatrician, if necessary, will refer the child for a consultation with an immunologist. It is important for parents to understand that children should get sick - this is completely inevitable. And if the baby manages to cope with the disease within the “allotted” time frame, then his immunity is fine.

On the issue of vaccinations

Some parents delay vaccination, believing that it is too early for their child to be vaccinated - his immunity is still immature: “he will grow up, then we will do it.” This is mistake. Firstly, the baby’s immune system is ready to respond by developing immunity to the introduction of a particular vaccine (the administered doses of the vaccine and the timing of vaccination optimally correspond to the state of the immune system). Secondly, protection against infections is most important in the first year of life.

In different countries, vaccination calendars differ very slightly, since they are compiled in accordance with the objective state of immunity of infants. Therefore, I advise parents, without special medical justification, not to get carried away with the game of delaying vaccination under the pretext that the child has “immature immunity.”

It is widely believed that for children with central nervous system the timing of vaccinations should be shifted due to the expected characteristics of the immune system. In fact, the diagnosis of “perinatal central nervous system damage,” with the exception of its most severe forms, is not a reason to avoid vaccinations. On the contrary, such children are especially in need of vaccination, because infectious diseases in them, as a rule, are more severe than in others.

Is it possible to stimulate the immune system?

To strengthen the baby’s immunity, breastfeeding and timely vaccination are necessary first of all. Proper nutrition and general strengthening procedures (walks in the fresh air, massage, etc.) are also good: such activities have a beneficial effect on the overall development of the child, on the vascular, nervous, hematopoietic and other systems. But, unfortunately, they do not have a direct effect on the immune system.

I would like to reassure parents once again: immunity is a very strong, very stable system - nature has made it this way over millions of years of evolution. If we compare the strength of the immune and skeletal systems, then I, as a clinical immunologist, believe that the first is stronger. It's harder to break than bones. She does not need support with medications, because nature has made sure that the vast majority of children have good immunity.

Mikhail Yartsev
Head of the Department of Immunopathology in Children
Institute of Immunology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Doctor of Medical Sciences

Article from the March issue of the magazine.

27.04.2019

The period of bearing a child and childbirth is a huge stress for the body, associated with constant hormonal changes. The immunity of a nursing mother ensures not only the health of the woman, but also the health of the baby in the first year of life. Good lactation depends on good health.

Signs of a decrease in the body's defenses

It is necessary to think about how to increase immunity during breastfeeding if there is weak resistance.

The reasons for the decrease in the activity of defense mechanisms may be:

• Hormonal changes for prolactin synthesis;
• Birth complications;
• Taking heavy medications, antibiotics during pregnancy or after resolution;
• Toxicoses, anemia, and other pathological conditions during pregnancy.

Symptoms of a poorly coordinated immune system are manifested in:

• Prolonged fatigue, weakness, constant feeling of increased fatigue even after a long rest;
• Weight loss associated with lack of appetite;
• Insufficient lactation;
• Susceptibility to colds;
• Irritability, depression, apathy;
• Headache;
• Hereptic eruptions.

How to increase immunity while breastfeeding - the opinions of pediatricians, as well as Dr. Komarovsky, agree that a young mother needs to follow a few simple rules to strengthen resistance:

• First, set up a daily routine: clearly planned time will allow you to do all the planned things, devote time to yourself and your newborn to the fullest;
• The second is to get enough sleep, ensuring a full night and an hour and a half of sleep is the key to health. When the body is rested, the protective structure is not oppressed by a stressful state, the body and all internal systems are restored after childbirth;
• Third - a balanced, rational diet. General health depends on the quality of food and the diet you follow. It is necessary to obtain all nutrients and useful substances for the normal functioning of the body, for lactation, and full breastfeeding;
• Fourth - Proper drinking regime. A nursing mother should drink at least two and a half liters of water in any form, with the exception of soups. Immune decoctions from the fruits of medicinal plants, compotes, fruit drinks will help not only cleanse and improve health, but also supplement the baby’s nutrition with useful microelements during breastfeeding;
• Fifth, daily walks in the fresh air should become an integral part of the life of a newborn and a young mother.

Balanced diet

How to boost your immunity during breastfeeding - eat right.

While feeding your baby with breast milk, in order to improve resistance, you must follow the principles of proper food consumption.

A woman should not adhere to strict mono diets. It is recommended to provide your diet with:

• Fermented milk products, cottage cheese with low fat content - no more than 1%;
• Wholemeal, grain bread. It is better to consume slightly dry and chapped;
• Light meats: veal, turkey, rabbit, beef;
• White fish;
• A large number of vegetables, fruits, herbs;
• Cereals: buckwheat, rice, corn, oat flakes;
• Hard cheeses;
• Quail eggs, chickens.

The entire menu is developed to meet the daily requirement for proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The need for vitamins is fully compensated: folic, pantothenic, ascorbic acids, group B, D3, A, E, K, mineral salts, fiber and other valuable nutrients.

Any product must be used taking into account the absence or presence of allergies in the newborn.

Mode

How to increase immunity for a nursing mother - follow a daily routine.

Conditional ranking of time allows you to distribute all the strength and capabilities of the body for the whole day.

The absence of turmoil, haste, attempts to redo everything, alternating stress and relaxation will improve health. After all, the equal value of work, rest, and walking can improve overall well-being. Correct expenditure of energy will prevent emotional and physical overload.

Night and daytime sleep is required - lack of sleep depresses the immune system and nervous system, which negatively affects the health of the mother and newborn. Proper rest increases the immune system, allows internal systems to recover, and the synthesis of hormonal compounds occurs, including prolactin.

Physical exercise

To establish breastfeeding and increase the body's resistance, a nursing mother needs rest after childbirth. Especially the first month and a half.

The degree of household chores and labor must be increased gradually.

Heavy loads and overly active sports can slow down the restoration of ligaments and tissues, and can provoke complications in the form of displacement or prolapse of the pelvic organs.

Light physical work and gymnastic exercises can raise tone, strengthen the cardiovascular system, muscle tissue, and tighten ligaments.

Fresh air

Oxygen starvation not only leads to problems associated with respiratory diseases, but also reduces resistance.

Walking helps saturate the blood and improves circulation.

Walking helps strengthen the heart and musculoskeletal system, which is very important after pregnancy and childbirth. The activity of the central nervous system is improved. Good health is restored and immune activity increases. The body fights infections better.

In addition, the intake of fresh air improves mood and brings mother and child closer together.

Medicines

How to strengthen the immune system of a nursing mother with the help of medications. Sometimes diet and lifestyle adjustments alone are not enough for the body. There are cases of deficiency of immune abilities that require treatment with pharmacological agents.

The choice of medications should be agreed upon with a pediatrician or therapist, and if necessary, undergo a series of examinations. Appointed:

• Vitamin and mineral complexes for women breastfeeding;
• Immunostimulating or modulating medications to enhance immune responses and mechanisms;
• Lacto and bifido bacteria to restore gastrointestinal functions and maintain local resistance;
• Herbal medicine - plant-based products, aloe juice injections;
• Preparations based on bacteria.

ethnoscience

How to boost the immunity of a nursing mother using traditional methods.

To quickly increase resistance, the following are used:

• A mixture of honey, lemon, dried apricots, prunes and walnuts;
• Infusions, teas with ginger, rose hips;
• Products for resorption: royal jelly;
• Garlic with juice;
• Echinacea decoction.

All traditional methods of increasing resistance are used for two months, provided that the child does not suffer from allergic reactions and the mother does not have individual intolerance to the components. It must be remembered that some foods and herbs can affect lactation and the taste of milk.

How to increase the immunity of a nursing mother - reviews show that increasing methods should be used comprehensively. While observing your daily routine and diet, do not forget about walks, additional intake of vitamin D3 and wet cleaning of the house. It is necessary to avoid stress and get enough sleep.

Not only pregnancy, but also the postpartum period is a test for the mother and her immunity. The female body gives the developing fetus most of the beneficial components, so by the end of 8–9 months it suffers from vitamin deficiency and a lack of minerals. After the birth of the baby, the mother should take care not only of the new family member, but also of herself, because the longer she forgets about her own health, the higher the likelihood of becoming the owner of a couple of chronic diseases.

Rest and tranquility

A woman should not shoulder cooking, cleaning, and caring for the baby on her own shoulders. A man is quite capable of frying eggs, washing his own socks and changing his diaper. Lack of sleep and constant emotional stress negatively affects women's health, undermines hormonal levels and immunity. The more rest mom gets, the healthier she is and the happier her baby is, so there's no need to worry about a dirty cup or an unprepared dinner.

Physical exercise

In the first 1–2 months, when the body is recovering after childbirth, doctors recommend refraining from intense exercise. Afterwards, when the stitches have healed and the woman has gained strength, it is useful to do a little exercise, get acquainted with yoga and take the new stroller for a walk in the nearest park more often. Fresh air strengthens both maternal and child immunity. Light frosts and cool weather will help harden the baby. And if the mother is worried about the child, then she can transfer him from the stroller to the sling to warm him with her own body.

When the baby grows up and learns to hold his head, you can sign up for the pool. Swimming has double benefits. Mom becomes healthier, because the body is renewed and natural protection against infections and viruses improves. Her body is toned and her mood improves with every kilogram she loses. The child enjoys the water and communication with his mother, plus learns to swim.

Children aged one year and older can go to the sea. Sunbathing and special air interspersed with salt strengthen the immune system better than any vitamin complex.

Supporting mental health

Men and all-knowing relatives consider postpartum depression a fiction, but it exists and has a significant impact on the health of a young mother. Women who feel overwhelmed, empty, scared and confused are advised to consult a psychologist. A specialist will calm you down and help you get used to your new role.

Constant worries are stress. They suppress the immune system, which is already weakened. If there is no stress, the woman’s well-being will improve, and her body will become stronger and will not allow various infections to attack itself.

In the postpartum period, it is necessary to treat worsened chronic diseases and new ones acquired during pregnancy. Mom should have her teeth filled, restore intestinal microflora, normalize liver and kidney function, and a little later have her hormonal levels examined. Any disease is a source of inflammation. If you do not fight them, they destroy the immune system and destroy the female body, causing emotional discomfort.

Balanced diet

A pregnant woman is forced to adhere to a diet, because every extra kilogram can cause complications during childbirth. A nursing mother is assured that the child’s health and the development of his digestive system depend on the diet. Any harmful dish provokes colic or allergies. In fact, a woman’s diet has virtually no effect on the baby’s well-being; only alcohol, nicotine and caffeinated products should be excluded.

During the postpartum period, a mother should eat a balanced and varied diet. Recommended are porridge and vegetable soups, dietary meat, beef liver and low-fat fish, which contain B vitamins, phosphorus and omega-3 acids.

Orange vegetables are recommended: carrots, pumpkin, peppers. You should not deprive yourself of fruits such as apricots, apples, bananas, pears, plums, watermelons and melon. Be careful with oranges and other citrus fruits. Even strawberries in small quantities will be useful.

It is necessary to support the thyroid gland, so the diet should include herring, hake, capelin, and seaweed. It’s good if you have the opportunity to buy salmon or salmon, shrimp or caviar. A budget source of iodine is seaweed and iodized salt.

Fermented milk products, such as cottage cheese, yogurt, fermented baked milk and unsweetened yogurt, will restore the intestinal microflora. Sources of vitamin C will be dishes made from sauerkraut and black currants, spinach, sea buckthorn and fresh parsley.

Mom should drink plenty of fluids. Plain water, green tea with a spoon of honey and a slice of lemon, natural juices and special decoctions are suitable. The latter are used to restore immunity during breastfeeding, when it is necessary to protect the mother’s body and not harm the baby.

You can prepare healthy drinks from:

• milk, to which a decoction of fresh cherry leaves is added;
• grated currants and syrup, which is prepared from honey and water;
• elecampane root (1 part), mixed with rose hips (2 parts), and fir oil, which is added to the finished decoction (2 drops per glass);
• oats, which are boiled until thick, add milk and a little honey.

Pomegranates, raisins, dried apricots and beet juice, cranberries and prunes trigger the production of antibodies, the main defenders of health.

Advice: A woman can consult her gynecologist and choose a vitamin and mineral complex. An alternative is herbal infusions that contain echinacea, lemongrass, ginseng or licorice.

Motherhood is a real feat and a huge responsibility. And in order to withstand this test, a woman should take care of her own body and immune system, because a child needs not just a beautiful, but a healthy and happy mother.

Video: how to strengthen your immune system

The immune system, or immunity (lat. immunitas - “liberation, deliverance”), is the property of the human body not to perceive (or reject) foreign substances and infectious (transmissible), as well as non-infectious agents. An antigen is a substance foreign to the body that causes the formation of antibodies in the blood and other tissues. In turn, an antibody is a protein formed in the body when a foreign agent enters it, which neutralizes its harmful effect. In other words, human immunity is a kind of natural defense mechanism of our body. It is responsible for two important processes: replacing spent or damaged, aged cells of various organs of our body; protecting the body from various types of infections - viruses, bacteria, fungi.

When an infection invades the human body, protective systems come into play, the task of which is to ensure the integrity and functionality of all organs and systems. Macrophages, phagocytes, lymphocytes are cells of the immune system, immunoglobulins are proteins that are produced by cells of the immune system and also fight foreign particles.

Depending on the mechanisms that form the body’s immunity to pathogenic agents, two types of immunity are distinguished - hereditary and acquired. Hereditary, like other genetic traits, is inherited. Acquired is our body’s experience in fighting infections that attack us at every step; it is not inherited, but is formed as a result of past infections. While still in the womb, we already receive her antigens through the placenta, which means we are protected by passively acquired immunity. Therefore, newborns for some time remain immune to a number of infections to which the mother is immune.

Normally functioning skin and mucous membranes constitute the body's first line of defense against bacterial and viral infections. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that reproduce by simple division. They are the causative agents of many infections: cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, salmonellosis, tuberculosis, whooping cough, tonsillitis, some types of bronchitis, various skin infections.

Viruses, unlike bacteria, which can adapt to existence in the external environment: water, air, soil, live only in living tissue. That is why scientists could not detect them for so long - because they cannot be grown on a nutrient medium suitable for the growth of bacteria. Viruses actively reproduce only in artificially grown human and animal tissue cultures. Influenza, encephalitis, measles, smallpox, polio, chickenpox, rubella, yellow fever and many other diseases of viral origin.

Microbes try to enter the body through the air we inhale. However, they are met by elements of mucus in the nose and special cells in the lungs (phagocytes) that devour microbes. In most cases, phagocytes deal with the “enemies” in time and take control of the situation. And viruses and bacteria that prefer to enter the body with food are neutralized by hydrochloric acid in the stomach and enzymes in the intestines.

The human immune system includes organs capable of producing or storing lymphocytes that produce antibodies. Such organs are lymph nodes, red bone marrow, thymus, lymphoid tissue of the colon and appendix, tonsils, and spleen. Almost all women, since during this period the natural mechanism of its suppression is activated. First of all, this applies to cellular immunity. The immune system is very complex and diverse: there is general immunity (blood and lymph contain a huge amount of immune proteins and cells that circulate throughout the body), as well as local tissue immunity in all organs; cellular immunity (lymphocytes, macrophages) and humoral (immunoglobulins - immune response proteins). For each microorganism or foreign cell (antigen), unique immunoglobulins (antibodies) of four classes A, E, G, M are produced.

So, while waiting for the baby, the number of T-lymphocytes, which remove foreign or their own cells that have viral or other antigens on the surface, in the body of the expectant mother is significantly reduced.

Mysteries of the nature of immunity
The female body, placenta and fetus produce special protein factors and substances that suppress the immune response to the presence of a foreign organism and prevent rejection of the embryo. Although pregnancy is considered a natural process, it is fraught with many mysteries. One of them is that the mother’s immune system “tolerates” the presence of a half-alien fetus in her body. A human embryo receives 50% of its genetic information from its father, which does not coincide with its mother’s. The other half of the fetal proteins is common to him and his mother. Despite genetic semi-compatibility, normally not only does the embryo not be rejected, but, on the contrary, especially favorable conditions are created for its development. Paradoxically, the difference in antigens between the child and the mother becomes a signal for the activation of mechanisms for preserving and supporting pregnancy. The more spouses differ in tissue antigens, the less likely they are to develop problems during pregnancy.

Factors that reduce immunity after childbirth include:

• general exhaustion of a woman’s body during pregnancy. For nine months, the mother’s organs and systems work to the limit of their capabilities. They do not wear out like a placenta, but do require a recovery period;
• hormonal shift, disorder. Some hormones produced by the fetal membranes have a pronounced inhibitory effect on the immune system. This is human chorionic gonadotropin (pregnancy hormone), placental lactogen. A similar effect is produced by glucocorticoids, progesterone and estrogens, which are produced in increasing quantities by the placenta throughout pregnancy. In addition to hormones, fetoprotein, for example, contributes to the suppression of the immune system reactions of the mother's body. This protein is produced by fetal liver cells;
• blood loss during childbirth;
• damage to barrier protective membranes (wound area remaining in place of the separated placenta in the uterus);
• exacerbations of chronic diseases: they can arise as a result of a general decrease in immunity after childbirth and weaken it even more, adding other pathologies.
• We should not forget about the psychological factors of decreased immunity after childbirth, such as postpartum apathy, lack of adequate sleep, etc. They are not only the causes, but also the consequence of a decrease in immune defense. The physiological decrease in immunity after childbirth is influenced by the fact that the body has yet to mobilize its strength for breastfeeding. In addition, the difficult rhythm of life of a nursing mother of an infant is also a factor in the suppression of the immune system.

Consequences of decreased immunity after childbirth

A decrease in immunity after childbirth leads to susceptibility to viral infections, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and a tendency to allergic reactions.

Health after childbirth: how to boost immunity?

1. From the very beginning, give yourself the mindset: for the benefit of your baby, you need strength and health. Don't be shy about asking your relatives for help. It’s good if someone close to you can help you at first. But if you are deprived of this opportunity, do not despair. The main thing is to set your priorities correctly. The health of you and your child comes first.
2. Even in the maternity hospital, you need to properly organize your nutrition. Pay special attention to proteins (their deficiency negatively affects the immune system). Also take a multivitamin recommended by your doctor.
3. Adequate sleep is no less important for maintaining health after childbirth than a balanced diet. Try to distribute responsibilities in such a way that you can sleep at least eight hours a day. Don’t try to have time to do everything yourself: stress is the enemy of your immunity. It's okay if you don't have time to do something. Plan your time so that you feel comfortable. Make it a rule to rest when your child sleeps. A couple of months after giving birth, you can resume playing sports, giving preference to gymnastic exercises (it’s better to start with light stretching exercises), running in the fresh air and swimming. Over time, you can begin hardening procedures. Playing sports will not only provide you with a charge of positive emotions, help you relax and take your mind off problems at home - they will mobilize the body's defenses.
4. Walking in the fresh air is useful for restoring immunity after childbirth. Therefore, by walking with your baby, you will also help activate the body's defenses. In addition, it has been proven that bright sunshine not only promotes the absorption of vitamin D and calcium, but also improves mood and overall well-being.
5. If possible, avoid stressful situations and conflicts in your family: stress and negative emotions depress the immune system. If problems still arise, it is best to contact a psychologist. But to prevent the development of depression, natural available remedies are sufficient: relaxing massage, aromatherapy, taking herbal infusions (chamomile, motherwort, mint, valerian have a slight sedative effect). Active games with the child will also help (of course, they will be more active for the mother, who carries the baby, telling him about his surroundings).
6. Neither you nor the child, whose immunity has not yet strengthened, should be in stuffy or smoky rooms, in crowded places, in shops, in transport, especially during periods of seasonal epidemics. After all, the respiratory tract is the gateway for infection to enter our body.

Medicine, of course, does not stand still and offers a choice of many different drugs to improve immunity, but, as in any matter, the problem must be solved comprehensively. With a physiological decrease in immunity after childbirth, in most cases it is enough to manage without medications.

We do an immunogram

If six months have passed since the birth of your baby, and you still feel out of shape: you feel weak, tired, constantly catching colds, fungal infections of the skin and nails have appeared, or chronic diseases continue to remind you of themselves - you should consult a doctor. The doctor will prescribe the necessary examination. The state of immunity can be judged by a special blood test - an immunogram, which examines the components of the immune system. It takes into account the number of cells (leukocytes, macrophages or phagocytes), their percentage and the degree of readiness to protect the body, as well as the substances that these cells produce. Only a qualified specialist will be able to choose the right strategy for interfering with the immune system.

It is important to remember that in this matter, both your own inattention to the alarm bells that your own body gives you and possible self-medication are dangerous, especially if you continue to breastfeed.

The immune system of a nursing mother during the recovery period after childbirth needs additional strengthening. Since the presence of all vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polysaturated fatty acids and organic acids and other important elements directly determine the physical and mental health of the mother, and through breast milk, beneficial substances reach the baby and strengthen his immunity. Therefore, a mother’s strong immunity is important for the growth and development of her child. If the mother's immune system is weak, then the babies do not receive the necessary nutrition. How to boost immunity for a nursing mother?

Immunity and breastfeeding

The immune system undergoes changes during the period of bearing a child due to changes in hormonal levels, the digestive system, and local and systemic immune functions. After the birth of the baby, the immune system changes again, adapting to feeding the child. This naturally affects the strength of the immune system. This means that during breastfeeding, when most of the substances from a woman’s body go into breast milk, additional support for the protective immune system and its replenishment with a large amount of vitamins and minerals is necessary.

The immunity of a nursing mother can be strengthened with:

• Good rest and moderate physical activity;
• Special diet;
• Fight stress;
• Long walks with the baby;
• Vitamins and folk remedies.

Recreation and activity

The period of bearing a child and childbirth leads to exhaustion and weakening of the body. Therefore, in the postpartum period and during breastfeeding, a young mother needs the most complete rest:

• In order for the body to fully recover, it is necessary to get enough sleep. In addition to nine hours of sleep at night, a daytime rest of at least one and a half hours is required;
• There is no need to try to redo all household chores at once; it is better to rationally allocate time to avoid excessive physical exertion. What you didn’t do today can be done tomorrow;
• Do not overdo it in your work activity in order to avoid rapid fatigue and an even more weakened body.

To maintain tone and restore immune strength, physical activity is required. It is necessary to get in shape by doing gymnastics, visiting the pool or fitness center. But the load must be increased gradually, since sudden loads will lead to an increase in weakening of the immune system.

Diet

How to increase the immunity of a nursing mother with the help of nutrition - a special diet developed taking into account the needs of the mother’s body and maintaining the sufficiency and quality of milk during breastfeeding.

The immunity of a nursing mother can be increased:

• Balanced nutrition: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, microelements are taken into account to ensure adequate nutrition for both mother and baby;
• Rational nutrition: the intake of all useful substances into the body is ensured by a variety of foods: fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, dried fruits;
• Healthy food: steamers, stewing, boiling, baking, soups and vegetable and fruit salads are used for cooking - thanks to which the maximum of nutrients is preserved.

But it is worth remembering that to take walks you need to dress according to the weather, so as not to catch a cold, wear proper shoes and a hat both in the cold and from the sun. For immunity, especially at first, it is better not to deal with the aggressive environment of viruses and bacteria. Therefore, it is preferable to avoid crowded places and choose public gardens and parks for a walk.

Vitamins for mom

If nutrition, rest and moderate physical activity do not help improve immunity, the mother is constantly sick or feels tired, then you should think about vitamin complexes. Such complexes are designed to maintain and prevent a lack of vitamins and minerals, leading to an immunodeficiency state. Before choosing a vitamin complex, you should contact your pediatrician or therapist, who will undoubtedly provide assistance in choosing the right drug.

The most common vitamins for nursing mothers are:

• Mom is completive;
• Vitrum prenatal;
• Elevit;
• and others.

All complexes are developed taking into account the daily needs of a nursing mother’s body to strengthen the immune system and provide the baby with the necessary beneficial components.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine improves immunity perfectly. Based on the fact that the mother needs to breastfeed her baby, it is possible to select means to increase the body’s defenses that will not harm the baby if they reach him during breastfeeding.

Before using traditional recipes, you should consult your pediatrician. If the doctor does not mind, and the child does not have individual intolerance to the components, then you can drink:

• Tea brewed from dried echinacea, which improves the immune system, improves the functioning of the immune system and increases its resistance to disease;
• The decoction is an additional source of vitamin C, increases the level of defenses, improves the supply of oxygen to cells and tissues;
• Infusion of prunes and dried apricots - replenishes the lack of vitamins, mineral salts, increases the resistance of immunity to pathogens, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and hematopoietic systems;
• Ginger-based tea - activates protective immune responses, increases the level of resistance to infections, improves the immune response when a cold occurs.

The main thing when increasing the immunity of a nursing mother is to remember that all means used to stimulate the immune system should be aimed at improving health. They indirectly, that is, through walks, hardening, baths, or directly - through breast milk, affect the baby’s health. Therefore, food should not cause allergies, walks should not be tiring, vitamins and folk remedies should be suitable for use during breastfeeding. After all, the mother’s health is the strength of the child’s present and future immunity.