Yes, multiple studies suggest babies born by C-section have a higher risk of being overweight or obese later in childhood and even into adulthood, though the link is complex and may involve factors like gut bacteria and maternal health. While some studies show a stronger link with emergency C-sections, others indicate planned C-sections also carry this risk, potentially due to altered gut microbiome and immune development, but it's important to note this doesn't mean all C-section babies become obese, and many factors influence weight.
Although the mechanism by which CS birth increases obesity is unclear, one potential explanation is alteration of the gut microbiome. Infants born by CS have altered composition of the gut microbiome compared with those delivered by vaginal birth6,7 and there may be an association with childhood obesity8.
This study indicated that children delivered by CS more commonly developed respiratory tract infections, asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, obesity than children delivered vaginally. Among these, obesity have a stronger association with cesarean section.
In fact, there is good research to indicate that breastfed babies are less likely to be obese children or adults than babies who were formula-fed. Babies who gain quickly during infancy often start to slim down once they become more mobile; ie. rolling, crawling, pulling up, walking, running, etc.
Since babies born via C-section do not pass through the birth canal and are not exposed to the same bacteria as babies born vaginally, their microbiome develops differently and has different strains of bacteria. In 2019, the largest ever study of newborns' microbiomes was published in the scientific journal Nature.
After adjusting of confounding factors, there was not any significant difference between IQ scores of cesarean delivery and spontaneous vaginal delivery groups (Table 2).
Cesarean delivery was linked to an increased likelihood of ASD (crude OR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.40-4.33). The association remained statistically significant, even after adjusting the potential confounding factors (reported previously in the scientific literature) in the first model (adjusted OR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.57-5.35).
CS was significantly associated with increased infant weight loss compared with those born vaginally (p < . 001). Out of 686 healthy term infants, 53 lost >10% of their birthweight, with 77% of these infants born via CS. Of the infants who lost <10%, 36% were born via CS.
Rule #2: The Breast Milk Storage Guidelines.
The 4-4-4 Rule. Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months. Different professional organizations have varying recommendations.
Typically, by around years 3 or 4, most baby fat is gone, and the neck is now lengthened.
The 5-5-5 rule for postpartum C-section recovery is a guideline for the first 15 days, emphasizing 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days around the bed, focusing on rest, gradual movement, bonding, and healing by limiting activity and staying near a resting spot for essential needs only. It's a structured way to encourage vital rest and set boundaries with visitors, preventing overexertion during the critical initial healing phase after major surgery.
What are the risks involved in a C-section?
A cesarean section (C-section) is still considered a major surgery, and healing takes time. While most women feel significantly better after six weeks, the incision will go through different stages of healing before it is fully healed in about six to 12 months.
The hardest week with a newborn is often considered the first six weeks, especially weeks 2-3, due to extreme sleep deprivation, constant feeding demands, learning baby's cues, postpartum recovery, and a peak in inconsolable crying (the "witching hour"), making parents feel overwhelmed as they adjust to a new, exhausting routine. While the first week is tough, the challenges often intensify as the baby becomes more alert but still fussy, with major developmental hurdles like cluster feeding and increased fussiness peaking around 6-8 weeks.
How Much Time Does It Take To Get Back in Shape After a C-Section? It takes at least eight weeks for your incision to heal and your stomach to return to its normal shape. Some women might take longer, and other bellies might permanently take on a different appearance.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years or longer.
The 'golden hour' is a term used to describe the first hour after birth. This is a crucial time when mother and baby share their first intimate moments, initiating a bond that is not only emotional but also has significant health benefits. It is during this hour that the first breastfeeding usually occurs.
As a general rule, exclusive pumpers need 120 minutes per day of quality breast stimulation with a hospital strength pump to maintain milk supply.
The types of healthy bacteria in the gut differ in babies born by caesarean and vaginal delivery, which can have broad effects on health. Also, the compression of the baby during vaginal birth appears to influence which genes are switched on, and this could have a long-term effect on metabolism.”
Myths about weight:
'Breastfed babies cannot becomes overweight' - Yes, they can.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids – including water – and get enough rest. If you're breastfeeding and you're overweight, the best way to lose weight is by eating a healthy, balanced diet and taking regular, moderate exercise, such as a brisk walk for 30 minutes each day.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
The study found that children born in August are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than children born in other months.
Researchers are not sure what causes autism, but they believe genetic and environmental factors play a role. Risk factors can include having older parents or a sibling with ASD, genetic or chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome, and very low birth weight.