Breastfeeding and Vaccines: Better Together
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By Sheldon Riklon, M.D.
August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to celebrate breastfeeding and recognize the importance of supporting families as they make decisions about how to feed their babies.
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to promote good health for your baby. When combined with recommended childhood vaccines, breastfeeding can create a strong foundation for lifelong health.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
A mother’s breast milk is uniquely designed to meet her baby’s nutritional needs. It provides the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and other components that support healthy growth and development. Because a baby’s immune system is still developing after birth, the colostrum in breast milk provides antibodies to support and develop the baby’s immune system. This also protects them from certain diseases like:
- Ear infections
- Respiratory infections
- Stomach and intestinal infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Childhood obesity
Colostrum is the first milk a mother’s body produces after a baby is born. It is usually thick and yellow or golden in color, which is why it is sometimes called “liquid gold.”
Although women produce only a small amount of colostrum, it is rich in nutrients and immune-supporting components, providing a baby with important protections during the first days of life. As nursing continues, the colostrum will gradually change to traditional breast milk but will continue adapting to a baby’s nutritional needs.
For most infants, it’s recommended to exclusively breastfeed for about the first six months, when possible. Around six months, it is usually appropriate to start introducing complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed. If you have questions about what foods to start giving to your baby, consult your doctor or pediatrician.
Breastfeeding also has health benefits for mothers. It is linked with a lower risk of certain health conditions, including breast and ovarian cancers, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes.
Childhood Immunizations
Just like breast milk protects your baby from disease, so do recommended vaccinations.
Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases. This helps protect children from illnesses that can cause serious complications.
During the first two years of life, children may receive vaccines that protect against diseases such as:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Rotavirus
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – protects against meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis
- Polio
- Pneumococcal disease
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Chickenpox (varicella)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
When to give the vaccine and number of doses can vary because some vaccines require more than one dose to provide the best protection. Your child’s pediatrician can help you understand which vaccines your child needs and when they should receive them. The CDC’s recommended schedule is updated as recommendations change.
Breastfeeding and Vaccines: Better Together
Parents may wonder whether breastfeeding affects how well vaccines work. Breastfeeding and vaccines work better together to support a baby’s health.
You can think of breastfeeding and immunization as two layers of protection:
Breastfeeding
- Provides important nutrients for growth and development.
- Provides antibodies and other immune-supporting components.
- May lower the risk of certain infections and health conditions.
Vaccines
- Train the immune system to recognize specific diseases.
- Help the immune system build long-term protection against specific diseases.
Breastfeeding can also be helpful during a vaccination visit. Mothers can breastfeed before, during, or after many routine vaccinations to comfort and soothe their babies.
What If I Don’t Have Insurance?
Many vaccines are covered by health insurance, including Medicaid. Families with private insurance can check with their insurance company or health care provider about coverage.
If you don’t have insurance, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program can provide eligible children with recommended vaccines at no cost. For more information about the program, visit cdc.gov/vaccines-for-children.
Breastfeeding and immunizations are two important ways parents can support their baby’s health. Breast milk provides nutrition and immune support, while vaccines help protect children from specific serious diseases.
Most importantly, families do not have to navigate these decisions alone. Your child’s doctor, nurse, lactation professional, community health worker, or local health department can help answer questions and connect you with resources.
For more information about breastfeeding and vaccinations, visit cdc.gov.
Sheldon Riklon, M.D., is a professor in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and a co-investigator with the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation.