There are currently several studies that suggest that the
trillions of micro-organisms inhabiting within the human body hold much
influence in the present and future health conditions. There is evidence within
research that suggests limited breast-feeding can alter the micro-organism populations
within a child’s gut and this can possibly explain the up rise of health issues
in children and adults such as type 1 diabetes, asthma, allergies, obesity and celiac
disease. Although babies are exposed to some organisms in utero, the most
impactful ones are encountered during birth and the first few months of their
lives. These are the micro-organisms that become permanent within their
microbiome. It has been studied that both a vaginal birth and breast-feeding
can remarkably impact the microbes present in babies’ guts and ultimately
affect the risk of developing other serious health problems.
I have always
known that breast-feeding is preferred by physicians up until a certain age, as
the breast milks contains certain nutrients that are essential for babies
health, which are typically not present in store-brought milk for babies. However,
I did not think of the impact this could have on a child’s microbiome which
would clearly affect them even until their adult lives. I certainly did not
think of the impact vaginal birth could have on the microbiome either but the
research indicates clear benefits. It creates a more diverse microbiome in
children with natural birth and breast-feeding, thus leading to a more
well-rounded immune system when encountering certain pathogens.
Citation:
Brody, Jane E. “The Importance of Infants' Exposure to
Micro-Organisms.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 5 Feb. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/02/05/well/live/infant -microbiome-cesarean-childbirth-breastfeeding.html?rref.
Sunaina Sharma (3)
Besides the benefit of exposure to micro organisms breast feeding can help strengthen the immune system of newborns. In the breast milk there are antibodies, immune factors, and white blood cells. These can protect the newborn from diseases and infections.
ReplyDelete-Trung Le (2)
That's definitely an interesting detail in addition to the context of this article!
DeleteSunaina Sharma (3)
Isn't this crazy?! I recently have invested a lot of time in reading about the microbiome and how bacteria in your gut effects cravings, body functions, etc. I did read that vaginal birth exposes a baby to many essential bacteria to increase the newborn's immune system. I then asked my friends who I know have many allergies if they were delivered via the traditional vaginal or c-section. Most of them were c-section babies, which further drives the point home that this encountered bacteria is essential! I didn't even think about the breast milk, which obviously contains many components necessary to grow a healthy human. This makes sense that milk produced by the woman's body is full of essential nutrients, as back in the day formulas and synthetic milk didn't exist and breast milk was the only option. It never ceases to amaze me the wonders of the human body!!
ReplyDelete-Kamilla Leao (2)
I agree, I too did not think much about but after reading this articles I've looked into the other advantages of having a natural, vaginal birth.
DeleteSunaina Sharma (3)
As kind of gross as it is to think about how many micro-organisms we have throughout our bodies, we owe a lot to them! I knew that the microbiome developed with vaginal birth, but did not know that breast feeding aids with this as well. This is a really cool topic!
ReplyDelete-- Hannah Kullberg (2)
I agree that it's pretty gross thinking of the microorganisms we carry in our bodies, but it's also interesting how something so gross is actually beneficial to us.
DeleteSunaina Sharma (3)
ReplyDeleteThis totally makes sense to me. Similarly it would make sense that children raised on a farm, or raised playing outside in the dirt, would have boosted immune systems due to their exposure to more bacteria. It is interesting to me how this mechanism works. Perhaps it imitates a vaccine?