“Is Your Child’s Immune System to Blame for Frequent Illnesses? Preparing Their Defenses Starts in the Womb”

This is the case for baby Ngan, the child of Ms. Hoang Anh from Hanoi. Ms. Hoang Anh shared in a parenting group: “My 20-month-old baby has taken antibiotics more than 10 times. Just recovered from a sore throat, now has a runny nose. I have no choice but to follow the doctor’s prescription and give her more medication. Every time she falls ill, antibiotics seem to be the only solution; otherwise, she refuses to eat, has a constant fever, and lies in bed all week. As a mother, I am extremely worried and don’t know what to do.”

Ms. Hoang Anh’s post, intended to relieve her stress, unexpectedly received hundreds of sympathetic responses from other mothers. Many shared similar experiences, expressing their concerns about their children’s frequent illnesses and antibiotic use.

When babies fall ill repeatedly, most parents immediately blame it on their weak immune systems, attributing it to environmental pollution and unpredictable weather. But could there be a deeper reason?

Antibiotics are not the “silver bullet” to solve all your child’s health issues.

It is understandable that parents would feel anxious about their child’s frequent illnesses. In such situations, antibiotics often appear to be the go-to solution, with parents hoping for a quick recovery.

However, antibiotics are not a long-term solution. Most childhood illnesses are viral, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Moreover, overusing antibiotics can have serious consequences, such as killing beneficial bacteria and disrupting the balance of the gut microbiome, which is the foundation of a strong immune system.

Long-term antibiotic abuse can lead to antibiotic resistance or immune system “dependence,” preventing the body from learning to respond naturally. As a result, children become more susceptible to illnesses, and their recovery may require stronger antibiotics in subsequent occurrences, creating a dangerous cycle.

A strong innate immune system starts developing in the womb, leading to fewer illnesses in newborns.

Did you know that the underlying cause of your child’s frequent illnesses could be a weak immune system that wasn’t adequately prepared during pregnancy? Why is the prenatal period so crucial?

Unlike adults, newborns enter the world with an immature immune system. In the early stages of life, they rely primarily on IgG antibodies transferred from the mother through the placenta during the last three months of pregnancy. After birth, they can also receive IgA antibodies from breast milk, which protects their digestive and respiratory systems – the first lines of defense against pathogens. This is known as innate immunity. However, if the baby is not breastfed or the mother’s milk quality is insufficient, this immune system weakens.

Additionally, the gut microbiome, a critical component of the immune system, is still underdeveloped in infants. During the first few years of life, the immune system is in a “learning” phase, gradually recognizing pathogens, developing immune memory, and regulating inflammatory responses – known as adaptive immunity. Due to this immaturity, children are more susceptible to illnesses like sore throat, bronchitis, diarrhea, and viral infections, which adults can typically overcome quickly.

To ensure your child’s robust immune system, it’s essential to start preparing their immune defense even before they are born. If a pregnant woman has poor health, lacks proper nutrition, or has limited exposure to beneficial microorganisms, the amount of IgG antibodies passed to the baby through the placenta may be insufficient. After birth, breastfeeding provides the baby with IgA antibodies, protecting their digestive and respiratory systems – the first points of contact with potential pathogens. However, if breastfeeding is not an option or the mother’s milk quality is inadequate, the baby’s immune system may be compromised.

To strengthen your child’s immune system, it’s crucial to start during pregnancy. A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, D, zinc, and omega-3 for the mother can boost antibody production and support the development of the fetus’s immune system. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding stress, and minimizing exposure to toxins like cigarette smoke and pollution are essential.

Colostrum, or the first milk produced after birth, plays a crucial role in building the baby’s immune system. During pregnancy, mothers can supplement their diet with bovine colostrum, which is rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and growth factors. These substances boost the mother’s immune system, benefiting the fetus through placental transfer. After birth, providing colostrum to the baby in the first few hours is the “golden key” to strengthening their immune system. Colostrum is rich in IgA, which protects the infant’s gut and respiratory mucosa, creating a barrier against bacterial and viral invasions.

No parent wants their child to suffer from constant illnesses. Relying solely on medication, especially antibiotics, does not address the root cause. In the journey of raising a healthy child, building a robust innate immune system from the very beginning may be more crucial than any treatment afterward. Let’s start by paying attention to the mother’s diet during pregnancy, the mother’s post-natal rest, and the precious first milk a baby receives.