Breastfeeding is an incredible journey that nurtures the bond between mother and baby while offering benefits for both. As we celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August, we want to shine a light on the role of breast milk and introduce you to Evivo—an infant probiotic that supports your baby’s health and well-being on their breastfeeding journey.
You’ll find more on that ahead, but first, let’s talk about some of the important benefits of breastfeeding.
Health benefits for babies and moms
Breast milk contains all the nutrients that most babies need to thrive. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics1 and World Health Organization2 recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to 2 years of age and beyond.3 That’s because breast milk offers babies amazing health benefits!
According to the CDC: Breastfed babies are less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs. Breast milk shares antibodies that help babies develop a strong immune system. Research also shows that breastfeeding has health benefits for moms as well!3
Why use Evivo when breastfeeding?
Evivo is an infant probiotic that contains B. infantis EVC001, which helps babies maximize the digestion of nutrients in breast milk. Many of the benefits of breast milk come from the nutrients found in Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs).
HMOs are essential to development, yet they’re indigestible without the help of B. infantis, a beneficial bacteria. Evivo’s B. infantis EVC001 has been shown to help babies digest all of the HMOs in breastmilk. In fact, without B. infantis, as much as 15% of the nutrients are wasted (that means more smelly poop diapers every day).
Why babies need B. infantis EVC001
Due to important advances in modern medical and hygiene practices and increased antibiotic use, 90% of babies in the United States don’t have this critical bacterial strain at birth—and neither do their mothers. Most women in the United States also lack B. infantis for similar reasons that lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome.
The good news is that researchers have created a probiotic specifically to support the infant gut microbiome. Evivo infant probiotic ensures babies can achieve colonization of B. infantis EVC001.
How does Evivo help baby’s gut microbiome?
Probiotics help colonize the digestive system with the “good” bacteria your body needs to aid digestion and maximize nutrient absorption. Babies get “colonized” with microbes during birth from mom, and while they reside all over the body, most are in the gut. The influence of these microbes extends far beyond the gut to provide signals to our signals that can influence our brains, immunity and metabolism. These good bacteria have important work to do! Research suggests that a healthy gut microbiome in babies supports healthy immune system development.
Establishing a successful breastfeeding routine
- Make the feeding connection: You’ll often hear about the importance of having a good latch when your baby is breastfeeding. But how can you tell? First, if your baby begins nursing and it’s painful, your baby may not be latching on to your breast correctly. Make sure to hold your baby close, and make sure that most, if not all of the nipple, is in the baby’s mouth. Baby’s lips should also be curled back, and their chin should be in contact with your breast.
- Remember to be patient and keep trying! You’ll likely be rewarded with success after a little trial and error. And, if you continue to struggle, seek the support of a lactation consultant. They’re miracle workers for moms and babies who struggle with breastfeeding challenges!
- Keep up your milk supply: Breastfeeding is generally a supply-and-demand proposition. The more you feed, the more your body will work to supply breast milk. That said, if you’re struggling to keep up with demand, it may be due to stress, lack of hydration, a health condition, or a lack of cues to keep up, meaning the demand hasn’t been there (until now).
- To increase supply, consider pumping after a feeding session to fully express any milk left in your breasts. You can also add a pumping session into your routine to encourage more milk production.
- Take time to take care of you: Make sure to keep yourself hydrated, eat a balanced diet, continue taking prenatal vitamins—and prioritize self-care in your daily life! Many women struggle with breastfeeding and all the ups/downs that come with having a newborn. You’re not alone!
- It can be especially hard to make your needs a priority. But stress, fatigue, and poor health can all affect your breastfeeding regimen, and success depends on you taking care of you. Remember that you and your baby are a team. Taking care of yourself shows that you’re a dedicated team player who is in it to win it!
Last, but not least, remember that you’ve got this! Even if you’re experiencing challenges, you’re working toward solutions to keep your baby happy and healthy. And that’s the very definition of being a great parent. Stay strong, seek help if you’re struggling, and consider adding Evivo to your feeding regimen. Beyond breastfeeding, it’s a wonderful way to impact your little one’s health today and tomorrow.
Read Testimonials from our Team
Samara Freeman
When we found out we were going to be parents for the first time, I studied the benefits of breast feeding, the importance of the gut microbiome and how the unique partnership between B. infantis and breast milk was disappearing. I knew all the great reasons to breast feed and use Evivo and made a commitment to do it for one year with each of my three children. It was a hard promise to keep!
Breastfeeding and pumping were hard for me, and the more I worried the harder it got. But I realized this was a gift I could give my babies. So, I celebrated each milestone. I started exclusively breastfeeding and gave each of my babies Evivo. I breastfed exclusively through maternity leave. Before I knew it, 3 months had passed, then 6 months, and I counted every day a win. Breastfeeding and giving Evivo gave me peace of mind. I knew I had done everything I could to set my children up for success.
Samara Freeman, Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs and Intellectual Property at Infinant Health
Becca Duar
As a scientist, I was determined to do everything possible to provide my babies with the benefits of breast milk. However, like many moms, I faced challenges during my breastfeeding journey, and there were times when I had to supplement with formula. Giving my babies Evivo brought me great comfort and confidence, knowing it could help maximize the nourishment from the breast milk they were getting. Combining breast milk with the support of Evivo, I felt assured that my girls were getting the best start in their early development.
Becca Duar, Product Innovation Director, Research and Development at Infinant Health
Sources
1 Joan Younger Meek, Lawrence Noble, Section on Breastfeeding; Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. Pediatrics July 2022; 150 (1): e2022057988. 10.1542/peds.2022-057988
2 World Health Organization. Breastfeeding: Recommendations. Accessed: July 24, 2023.
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom. Accessed: July 24, 2023.
4 Frese, Steven A., et al. “Persistence of supplemented Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis EVC001 in breastfed infants.” MSphere 2.6 (2017): e00501-17.
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