Bringing forth offspring through the caesarian section is a big decision for any mother. While doctors might do this procedure to save your life and that of your baby, finding out what your baby might miss compared to another who has been delivered vaginally is crucial. If you delivered your baby through the caesarian section and are worried if they are at risk of metabolic and immunity-related diseases as they transition into adulthood, this article is for you.
The relationship between good bacteria and vaginal birth
Children aged between 3 and 11 years get gastrointestinal problems all the time. However, it is more common with kids born through a c-section. You may have realized that your child was more colicky at infancy, and it got you worried. This might have necessitated you to change milk formula brands or adjust your diet to reduce their gassy-fussiness if you were exclusively breastfeeding them. But all these options did not seem to work.
An expectant mother possesses good bacteria that she passes onto her child as her due date draws near. During vaginal birth, the baby receives the healthy bacteria known as Lactobacillus acidophilus. This healthy bacterium influences how a baby’s gut health will be in the years to come.
But when it comes to babies born of c-section, it becomes challenging to inherit the good bacteria from their mother. The first dose of bacteria is picked from their mother’s skin, and medical practitioners taking part in the delivery procedure. This might not help much, considering the baby’s gut is still very fragile.
How probiotics impact your c-section baby’s gut health
Whether you brought forth your child vaginally or by c-section, ensuring they get the right probiotics is crucial. Probiotics supplements contain microbes that affect your child’s metabolic activities. For example, if you find one from this link or any other site with immunomodulatory properties, know that it is formulated to improve their immunity. As much as you want a probiotic supplement that provides your baby with all the good bacteria, purchasing without your pediatrician’s approval can have dire consequences. Find out what type of probiotic will be useful to your child before making a purchasing decision.
Other ways to boost your c-section baby’s gut health
Gut health plays a vital role in determining your child’s risk for metabolic and immunity-related problems in the future. If you delivered your baby through a c-section and are worried about your child’s future, consider the following tips:
- Enroll for immune education
When it comes to your child’s wellbeing, it is vital to conduct extensive research on their health. What your child’s pediatrician and nutritionist tell you to adopt might not be enough. You can still join immune classes to know the relationship between good bacteria and allergies. If you are unable to join one, work with your doctor to know what is right for your child.
- Incorporate a fiber-rich diet
Children this age like to snack on fast foods, which might affect their digestion. As a mother, you might be tempted to give in to their desires to avoid tantrums. However, you risk putting their gut health in jeopardy. Once in a while is okay, but indulging in foods that do not promote gut health is not something you would want to wish away.
Even if your child does not enjoy legumes, whole grains and vegetables, you can package them nicely to increase their appeal. The main motivation of encouraging your child to take a healthy diet is to protect them against metabolic and immune-related diseases such as diabetes, eczema, asthma, and obesity. The earlier you start introducing your child to foods rich in fiber, the better they will acclimatize to such diets.
- Avoid heavy use of antibiotics
Kids aged 3 to 11 years come in contact with bacteria every day. This might cause infections that will not go away unless you use antibiotics. However, antibiotics may interfere with the good bacteria that your child might have painstakingly fought to build. At times, the best way to avoid antibiotics when building your child’s immunity is to go herbal.
You are in control of determining your child’s gut health. Trying probiotics supplements and watching what your child feeds on can go a long way in bringing forth a healthy adult. Start now when they are still young and vulnerable, and watch them lead healthier lives devoid of allergies and other metabolic conditions.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.