You've heard breastfeeding protects against allergies and asthma. But have you ever wondered what's actually happening inside your baby's body to make that possible?

It's one of those things people say all the time, but rarely explain. And when you're in the thick of feeding, you deserve more than soundbites.

In this episode, Dr Renee White sits down with Dr Toby Mansell, a researcher from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute here in Australia. His team studied nearly 900 babies from pregnancy through childhood, and what they found is genuinely fascinating.

Together they talk about what happens at the molecular level when babies breastfeed, why certain fats in breast milk seem to reduce inflammation, and what this might mean for immune health down the track.

It's science, yes. But it's also context. And hopefully, it helps things make a bit more sense.

You'll hear about:

How the Barwon Infant Study tracked 900 babies to understand what influences health from early life
Plasmalogens, lipids abundant in breast milk but absent in formula, and why they reduce inflammation
What chronic inflammation in infancy means for allergies, asthma, and metabolic health later
How breastfeeding changes infant metabolism at the cellular level
What this could mean for formula composition and supplements for all babies

Whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or somewhere in between, this episode helps you understand what's happening biologically. It's research-based clarity without pressure or judgment.

Resources & Links:

📲 Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

🌐 Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services

🍪 Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies

🔗 Connect with Dr Toby Mansell: Murdoch Children's Research Institute - Inflammatory Origins Group

🌐 Resources mentioned:

This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village.

If this episode helped you feel more informed or less alone, share it with a mum who needs a steadier perspective. And don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Disclaimer

The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.

Ep 213. How breast milk can protect our babies against allergies