SEATTLE — Scientists are unlocking the incredible power of breast milk.

New research shows it has the potential to influence a newborn's lifelong health.

When a baby is born, their immune system is what doctors call a "blank slate," which includes their microbiome in their gut.

"Milk has factors that help shape infant immune responses to the microbiota," said Dr. Meghan Koch.

And not just any milk, but mother's milk.

Dr. Koch , an assistant professor of immunology at Fred Hutch, is studying how maternal antibodies passed to infants during breastfeeding don't just protect against infections — they also teach the infant's immune system when to fight harmful pathogens and when to tolerate friendly microbes.

"Certain antibody types in the milk were particularly important at particular t

See Full Page