Mode of Birth is just one of the factors that impact the microbiome of your newborn
The microbiome that a baby is born with is a key part of how it develops an immune system to fight disease. Babies born vaginally haven been shown to have a different microbiome to those born via caesarean but mode of birth is just one of several things thought to impact a baby’s microbiome.
Watch this short video to see what research suggests can have the greatest impact.
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The way our babies are born affects their gut microbiome composition, their immune system development and their resistance to medicines, such as antibiotics, used to treat infections and diseases
Caesareans can be a life saving necessity in the birth of a baby. Current scientific research into the development of a baby’s gut microbiome suggests that the way a baby is born, i.e. vaginally or by caesarean, can have a significant effect on the early development of the baby’s gut microbiome.
The significance of what we eat during pregnancy for our babies
Current evidence based research indicates that what we eat during pregnancy has a significant impact on the early development of the baby during pregnancy and the first 1000 days of life.
The development of a baby’s gut microbiome and immune system and the role of beneficial bacteria, Bifidobacteria
A 2020 study of 88 African American babies during the first month of life included babies who were full term (>37 weeks) with no major genetic abnormalities.
Read the Research
The early life determinants for Gut Dysbiosis
The early life determinants for Gut Dysbiosis Written by Dr Fathalla Ali, PhD (Paedatrics) 22/11/2021 The gastrointestinal tract is the home for the most diverse
Breastfeeding and the infant gut microbiota at 12 months of age
Feeding human milk to newborn infants has important nutritional, physiological, immunological and psychological benefits that may impact on their long-term growth and development.
The Persistent Effects of Birth Mode on Gut Microbiota Composition, Immune System Development and Antimicrobial Resistance
It is believed that mode of birth (Vaginal or Caesarean) has a significant effect on early gut microbiota acquisition and development. Globally, the rate of caesarean birth is consistently increasing as a result of multiple factors. Among these factors are the increase in the overall income and the easy access to health facilities. In 2015, around 29.7 million births happened by caesarean, accounting for about 18% of the births in 169 countries.
Early Microbiota Colonization and Gut Metabolome
It’s believed that the status of our health in later life is associated with the first bacteria that colonize our gut.
The role of Bifidobacteria in HMOs utilization and systematic immune upregulation
Among the most abundant members of the gut microbiota that colonize the gut of infants during early days of life are Bifidobacteria, which are believed to play a major role in the development of the immune system
Cesarean Section, Microbiota and Risk of Respiratory Infection
In a recent prospective study, Reyman et al (2019), assessed the effect of delivery mode on gut microbiota, independent of antibiotic administration to mothers.
Watch our short videos
Information about the role that mode of birth plays in the microbiome of a baby. For the full expert interviews, head to 'meet the experts' in 'the science' menu at the top of this page.
birth with dr steven leach
Dr Leach talks about the implications of an unbalanced microbiome at birth.
birth with dr dani susic
Dr Susic explains the role of mode of birth on the microbiome of a baby.
birth with dr dani susic
Dr Susic talks about her experience with birth, and how things don’t always go to plan.
