Brenda, I asked a question similar to yours back on September 11, 2000.
There was a lively discussion which ensued and I learned a great deal about
the process called the entero-mammary pathway, sometimes called
"autoimmunization."  You could search the archives for those two terms
during September, 2000.

As I recall, no one was actually able to come up with a reference which
validates the idea that a baby's saliva stimulates the mother to produce
antibodies via contact with the breast.  Rather, the entero-mammary pathway
refers to the process whereby pathogens in the environment reach the
mother's gut, her body produces specific immunities to them, then they are
passed on in her breastmilk to the baby who has also been exposed to those
pathogens.  As a result of that discussion, I always tell moms who use day
care to spend time in the day care environment, breastfeeding their babies
and exposing themselves to baby's day care pathogens.

One classic reference for the amazing properties of breastmilk, including
this phenomenon, was cited as Dr. Jack Newman's article, "How Breastmilk
Protects Newborns" (which originally appeared in Scientific American).  This
article can be found on Cindy Curtis' wonderful website at
http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/29.html.

I will also quote what Cynthia Good Mojab wrote on this topic:  "Here's
another reference (but unfortunately without the citation for the study)
regarding the production of antibodies in the breast:  On pp. 349 of the 6th
edition of La Leche League International's WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING  it
states:  "Another fascinating finding related to human milk's immune
properties was the discovery that the breast can deliver a particular
antibody in response to a new germ in baby's environment. A chain of events
begins when the fully breastfed baby is beset with a new germ. As he
continues to nurse, perhaps even more often than usual because he is not
feeling well, the offending organism is passed from baby to mother. The
breast produces the needed immunoglobulin on site, locally, and sends the
protective element along to the baby in the milk. This is a system of
"specialized programming," with the nursing mother making antibodies on
demand to germs that challenge her baby. The baby places the order, and the
mother programs the cells and delivers the appropriate antibody."

I hope this is what you were looking for, Brenda!

Sara Dodder Furr
La Leche League Leader
Lincoln, Nebraska


> Date:    Wed, 9 Jul 2003 12:05:59 -0700
> From:    Brenda Phipps <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Baby's saliva and antibody response
>
> I am curious if you've
> heard this and if there are any research studies that have been done to
> prove
> this.......
>
> The breastfeeding (at the breast) relationship has a feedback system
> whereby
> the baby's saliva conveys germs that the baby has been exposed to to
> the mom
> and therefore the mom makes the antibodies/immunities and they are
> ready for
> the baby at the next feeding or so.

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