The booklet titled "Nutrition Essentials: C-Section Delivery" delves into the implications of C-section delivery on infant gut microbiome and overall health. It highlights the significance of a balanced gut microbiota for immune, metabolic, and cognitive development in infants. Factors influencing microbiome development, differences in gut microbiota composition between vaginal and C-section delivery, and the long-term impacts of C-section delivery are discussed. Additionally, the rising rates of C-section births worldwide and the associated concerns are addressed.

The booklet emphasizes the role of nutrition, particularly breastfeeding and specialized infant formulas containing prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics, in supporting healthy gut microbiome development in C-section-delivered infants. It also provides information on specific prebiotics (scGOS/lcFOS and 2’-FL) and probiotics (Bifidobacterium breve M-16V) that have demonstrated benefits in infant gut health and immune regulation. Clinical studies highlighting the efficacy of synbiotic infant formula containing B. breve M-16 and scGOS/lcFOS (9:1) in correcting delayed gut colonization in C-section-delivered infants are discussed.

In summary, the booklet underscores the importance of addressing the impact of C-section delivery on infant gut microbiome through appropriate nutritional interventions, aiming to support optimal health outcomes in this population.