Breastmilk is the best for babies. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. After six months of age, infants should receive age-appropriate foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.
Cesarean Section
Cesarean Section, also known as a C-Section, is a surgical birth instead of natural vaginal delivery.
The doctor performs this procedure by making an incision between the abdomen and the uterus. A c-section may be necessary due to medical reasons.
The Pros, Cons, and Risks of C-Sections
A question that many mothers wonder about is: Why a c-section is necessary, and what are the drawbacks of natural birth?
What mothers need to understand is that a C-Section is a solution for those who are unable to give birth naturally, or when there are medical indications. These medical indications include abnormal baby position at non-cephalic condition, baby's head/size is too large to pass through the birth canal or pelvis is too small to deliver the baby vaginally, the placenta is positioned low in the womb and cover the cervix, multiple pregnancy with twins or more, cord prolapse which the umbilical cord slips through the birth canal before delivery and other health conditions that are risky for mother to deliver naturally. Emergency situations may also warrant a C-Section.
Upon realizing the need for a C-Section, mothers must prioritize early preparation from the beginning of the process, taking into account c-section babies may have weaker immune development due to lack of vaginal beneficial bacteria.
PROS | CONS |
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C-Sections
| C-Sections
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Natural Birth Delivery
| Natural Birth Delivery
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PROS | CONS |
C-Sections
| C-Sections
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Natural Birth Delivery
| Natural Birth Delivery
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The Impact of C-Section on Your Baby’s Immunity
A study involving 1.9 million children revealed that those born via C-Section faced a 46% higher risk of immune deficiency, a 23% higher risk of asthma, and a 20% higher risk of chronic inflammatory bowel disease compared to naturally born children (Ref: Sevelsted A., et al. Pediatrics. 2015; 135(1):e92-8.). Breast milk is rich in immune-boosting nutrients, especially good bacteria (probiotics) and foods of those good bacteria (prebiotic dietary fiber) to restore your baby's immunity.