✨ Curious about how C-section deliveries may affect your child’s immunity?

Adverse effects of caesarean section on babies include difficult adaptation to extrauterine life, reduced gut microbiome diversity, altered immune system development & increased risk of developing asthma and allergies.Gut dysbiosis can also lead to increased incidence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children (infantile colic, gastroesophageal reflux, functional constipation and abdominal pain), as well as increased gut permeability, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased fat accumulation, lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation, insulin resistance, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Neonates delivered vaginally exhibit a gut microbiome with higher abundance and diversity than those delivered by cesarean delivery. Babies born vaginally are colonised predominantly by Lactobacillus (maternal vaginal flora) whereas cesarean delivery babies are colonised by a mixture of potentially pathogenic bacteria typically found on maternal skin & environmental flora, such as Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter No additional check-ups or immune screenings are necessary in babies delivered by caesarean section.

(1)Breastfeeding as human milk contains many substances that enhance infant's immune development, (2)probiotics to optimise infant's gut microbiome especially in first 1000 days of life, (3)timely weaning and exposure to potential dietary allergens to encourage oral tolerance, which in turn protects against autoimmune disease (and allergies)

Caesarean delivery has been associated with increased risks of asthma, allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis or eczema, food allergies, and allergic sensitization in offspring. Caesarean birth influences the risk of asthma partially by gut microbial colonization and perturbed immune responses reflected by dysregulations in bile acid and tryptophan metabolism during early life.

It is very important to work on establishing breastfeeding post-Caesarean section because nutrition is delayed by the absence of lactation or the impossibility to practice it during the first 24h due to maternal post-operative recovery. Support from a lactation consultant can be helpful. The presence of the medications from maternal anaesthesia in the baby's circulation diminishes the tone and reflexes of the newborn, delaying the immediate adaptation reaction and potentially causing breathing problems that may require admission to neonatal intensive care and a longer inpatient stay, and this needs to be accounted for in confinement plans. Regional anaesthesia is preferable to general anaesthesia if possible in this regard.

(1)Breastfeeding as human milk contains many substances that enhance infant's immune development, (2)probiotics to optimise infant's gut microbiome especially in first 1000 days of life, (3)timely weaning and exposure to potential dietary allergens to encourage oral tolerance, which in turn protects against autoimmune disease (and allergies)

After birth, babies are protected by maternal antibodies, which have significantly decreased by 6 months of age. The baby's own immune system does not fully develop until 3-4 years of age. In the interim, babies born via caesarean section may potentially be more susceptible to infection compared to vaginally delivered babies due to a suboptimal gut microbiome.

Importance of healthy gut with optimal composition of intestinal flora - aid in digestion, help with nutrient absorption and vitamin production, strengthen the immune system by creating a barrier against harmful pathogens and supporting the production of immune cells, even influence brain health and mood through gut-brain axis. Some signs of an imbalance in gut bacteria include digestive issues like frequent bloating, gas, diarrhoea or constipation. If your child feels uncomfortable after eating certain foods, frequently feels tired, has frequent infections or has skin issues like eczema, this can also be an indication of an unhealthy gut.

Full breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is recommended. Introduction of solid foods should commence after the baby turns 6 months of age or discuss with your paediatricians on the suitable timing to introduce complementary diet

While C-section delivery can affect the early microbiome and immune development of newborns, the immune systems of C-section babies tend to catch up to those of vaginally delivered babies over time, and long-term health outcomes generally converge.