✨ Curious about how C-section deliveries may affect your child’s immunity?
Whether you're a first-time parent or already navigating the early years, understanding how birth delivery methods can influence your child’s health is important. 👩⚕️ This May, ask Dr. Alison Snodgrass, Consultant Paediatrician from Parkway East Paediatric Clinic, anything you’ve been wondering about your child’s immunity, especially related to C-section deliveries. 🗓️ Question collection is open from April 28 to May 12 💬 Drop your question in the comments below, no question is too small! Let’s learn together as a community 💛 Brought to you by AptaAdvantage Club * This is a platform for sharing of expert medical advice. It is not a substitute for in-person care. Parents who have further concerns or specific questions about their child’s health are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
I gave birth via CS. I always see this video on socmed about activating the baby’s spine as it was not activated during c-sec delivery. And it will affect baby’s health. How true is that? The doctor in the video claimed about some study re this “neck or spine activation”.
I’ve always felt my c section baby fell sick more often than my other children born through natural delivery. This was despite giving her probiotics. What else can I do to help her boost her immunity?
Cesarean delivery and antibiotics alter the early microbiome and immune system development. (1)Breastfeeding is beneficial as human milk provides protection and immune modulation by shaping the infant’s microbiome, which, in turn, interacts with the developing immune system. (2) Promoting general health through balanced nutrition, adequate sleep and age-appropriate exercise is equally important. (3) Use of antibiotics should be limited to situations where it is medically necessary. (4) Maternal microbiota and diet influence the fetal innate immune system development via microbial metabolites that cross the placenta and thus attention to optimal nutrition during pregnancy may be helpful.
Please help. Do C-section babies need different vaccinations or extra supplements to catch up on immunity? If yes, what type of vaccinations or supplements will be good to give my little one?
Same vaccinations, encourage uptake of optional vaccines (influenza, chickenpox) to maximise protection against infection. Supplements - probiotics, to optimise infant's gut microbiome which is different in C-section babies vs vaginally delivered babies.
hello! Are there any specific nutrients or habits that I can focus on to help boost my C-section baby’s immunity in their first year? I am quite confused.
(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)
How does a C-section affect the baby's gut microbiome compared to a vaginal birth? Should C-section babies have extra health checkups or immune screenings?
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
If I had an emergency C-section, does that make a difference to my baby's immunity compared to planned ones?
Depends on many factors including the indication for the caesarean section, timing of rupture of membranes, presence or absence of placental infection. Each case should be discussed individually with the attending doctor.
Should I delay childcare or infant care if my baby was born via C-section and I’m worried about immunity?
Babies delivered via caesarean section have reduced gut microbiome diversity and altered immune system development. Increased exposure to germs though contact with other children in a childcare setting may result in increased incidence of infection, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Caring for the child at home in his/her earlier months may allow more time for the immune system to mature before this exposure takes place.
Will my child “catch up” immunity-wise if he was born via C-section but is otherwise healthy now?
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.
Does how I feed my baby (breastmilk vs. formula) matter more for Csection babies and their immunity?
Yes. Breast milk contains microbiota, including Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Lactobacillus species, which contribute directly to the infant’s gut microbiome. In addition, breastmilk is rich in immune-supporting compounds that help protect infants, including antibodies like IgA, immune cells like leukocytes, and various bioactive factors like lactoferrin and lysozyme. These components work together to provide both passive immunity (from the mother's antibodies) and to educate and strengthen the infant's developing immune system.
Does the mode of delivery affect long-term immunity? I gave birth twice via CS and I'd like to know
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.