Breastfeeding over formula can provide passive immunity to the infant against some infections.

• A. Receiving antibodies only through formula.
• B. Breast milk interferes with vaccines.
• C. Breast milk provides active immunity.
• D. Breastfeeding provides passive immunity against some viral and bacterial infections.

Answer: (D)

Passive immunity comes from antibodies that come from someone else. In breastfeeding, the mother passes immune factors, especially secretory IgA, through the milk. These antibodies line the infant’s gut and mucosal surfaces, helping to neutralize certain viruses and bacteria and reducing the risk of infections during the early period when the infant’s own immune system is still developing. This protection is temporary, fading as the infant grows and begins to make their own antibodies. Formula does not provide these maternal antibodies. The idea that breast milk gives active immunity would be incorrect because active immunity requires the infant’s own immune response to produce antibodies, such as after infection or vaccination. Vaccines are designed to stimulate that own response and are not hindered by breastfeeding. So breastfeeding does provide passive immunity against some viral and bacterial infections.