When the newborn baby is nursed by its mother, the initial secretion of the mammary glands is called colostrum.

Page 2 The Mammary Gland
Although this colostrum lacks nutrients, it is loaded with antibodies.

These antibodies provide the infant with its primary protection for the first 6 months of life.

Page 3 Reflux
After a few days, the mammary gland produces the natural food for the human infant.

As the infant suckles at the mother's breast, there is a certain amount of reflux (backward flow) into the milk ducts of the mammary gland.

Should the infant develop an upper respiratory infection, the organisms causing the infection will be
included in this reflux.

Generally by the next time the infant suckles, the mammary gland will have produced the appropriate antibodies.

These antibodies are delivered to the infant for its protection.