How C-sections Can Impact Your Baby’s Immune System
Breastfeeding has just as a significant
impact on immune system development. When
the baby first latches on, he or she receives
colostrum. This is specifically designed for the
infant to aid in nutrition and helps pass the first
stool. Infants that do not breast-feed suffer in
many categories one being that they are more
prone to infection because they lack the bifidobacteria. In one study, infants that were fed
formula as opposed to breastmilk, had a distinct
delay in the colonization of good bacteria.
The next 18-24 months constitutes a whole new
article, and those months are critical for establishing the infant’s immune system. The intestinal lining, the gut, takes about 18-24 months to
fully form. When new, good bacteria colonize
they establish a firm foundation resulting in
healthy functioning immune system years later.
So if you find yourself in a situation where you
must have a cesarean section, make the proper
arrangements.
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IMPORTANT: Your baby needs to be exposed
to the bacteria that you, the mother, have developed. If the baby is not born vaginally, have
someone - the partner, the midwife, the ObGyn - swab the vaginal canal and wipe
on the mom’s breasts. This will expose the
newborn baby while latching on to the mother’s
breast for feeding. This is not gross; it is
a
and is a
action to ensure
the healthy development of your baby’s immune
system.
normal
necessary
TAKE ACTION : SWAB +
SUCK!!!!
Establishing healthy gut flora can prevent numerous ailments such as asthma, ADHD, eczema, and anything related to systemic inflammation. Give your baby’s immune system a solid
foundation right from the start!