Breast milk: It's good for a laugh

As the somewhat crazy nursing mom of a two-and-a-half year old, I am obviously a breastfeeding advocate, so any news article about breastfeeding naturally catches my eye.

Since my little guy suffers from food allergies and had eczema as an infant, though, this article really grabbed my attention.

Studies have shown that when a breastfeeding mom laughs before a feeding, allergic reactions to dust mites and latex are less in their infants. Researchers think that higher levels of melatonin in the jolly moms' breast milk accounts for some of the lessened reactions, since melatonin levels are reduced in people with eczema.

OK, now, hold it right there. Owen had eczema as an infant due to his food allergies. I was eating things he was allergic to and we didn't know it, so he got eczema from my breast milk that had the food allergens in it.

Now I know melatonin is associated with relaxation (the article told me so, but I also know it is available in supplement form to help people sleep) and Owen has been an historically bad sleeper.

I am starting to see a connection here. Food allergies, low melatonin levels, eczema, crummy sleeper . . .

I haven't quite put all the pieces together yet about what this means for my family, but I find it all so fascinating.

Anything here hit home for you?