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There has been a long-standing debate about the impact of the type of delivery on the health of the newborn.
One aspect that is of great interest to scientists and parents is the intestinal microflora of infants. Do children born by cesarean section have a different intestinal microflora than those born naturally? Are they more susceptible to allergies and other health problems? In this article we will try to dispel these doubts and present current research on this topic.
Type of delivery and intestinal microflora of infants
The gut microbiota, also known as the gut microbiome, is the complex community of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that inhabit our gut. This ecosystem is of great importance to health because it affects digestion, immunity, nutrient absorption and many other processes in the body. The first days and months of life are critical for shaping the child’s intestinal microflora, and the type of delivery may have a significant impact on its composition.
Caesarean section linked to fewer beneficial bacteria
Studies show that babies born by cesarean section tend to show differences in the composition of their intestinal microflora compared to those born vaginally. One of the main factors is the lack of exposure to the mother’s genital tract during childbirth, which leads to a reduction in the transfer of bacteria to the baby’s intestines. This first “population” of a child’s intestinal microbiome plays a key role in its further development and may affect the ability to maintain the balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria.
Caesarean section predisposes to allergies, infections and inflammation
Researchers have noted that babies born by cesarean section have an increased risk of developing certain health problems, such as allergies, infections and inflammation. It appears that changes in the intestinal microflora may affect the functions of the immune system and trigger allergic reactions. Additionally, some research suggests that cesarean section may increase the risk of childhood obesity in the future.
How to support the development of the microbiome of a newborn after a cesarean section?
While the type of delivery may impact the baby’s initial gut microbiome composition, there are steps parents can take to support the healthy development of their baby’s microbiome, especially in the event of a cesarean section:
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding provides your baby with valuable probiotics and prebiotics, which can help repopulate the intestines with good bacteria.
- Skin-to-skin contact: Direct skin-to-skin contact after birth can help transfer microorganisms from mother to baby.
- Probiotics: Giving your baby appropriate probiotics can help replenish the gaps in the intestinal microflora.
Your suggestions
Any suggestions you have regarding caring for a healthy intestinal microflora in babies should always be consulted with your pediatrician. Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in the topic of infant intestinal microflora and its impact on health, we recommend reading the following articles:
- “The role of intestinal microflora in the development of allergies in children” – a detailed article on this topic.
- “How to care for a healthy intestinal microbiome of an infant?” – practical tips for parents.
- “Natural birth vs. cesarean section: what are the differences?” – comparison of both types of childbirth in terms of their impact on the child’s health.
It is worth learning about the latest research and information on this topic to make the best decisions about your child’s health.