i don't have refs but we've talked about this before so it will be in the
archives. I have posted on this so you could search for my name, it will be
in the archives. There was a Scientific American article if I remember
correctly. the easiest explanation is that the mother is exposed to the
germs from the baby by kissing, touching, holding baby. Have you ever heard
the expression "You are so cute, I could just eat you up!" ?? Well the way I
explained it is mom's just "eat their babies up!" by kissing, sucking their
fingers, etc. Smelling their hair and just breathing them in. The germs get
into the moms respiratory tract and GI tract and that is where her body
first "sees" the germs and begins a defense. You should search
"enteromammary" immune system I think which means the enteral system (GI
tract) first is in contact with the germ and then the mammary gland
responds. hope this helps.
Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC
MISSISSIPPI USA
P.S. Congrats to all new and recertifying IBCLCs!

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