Functional Pediatric Wellness
Parents in our pediatric wellness program get more than just a trusted and experienced provider for their children, but access to our childhood wellness guidance resources online 24/7. As we combine the best of functional, conventional, Christian, and years of parenting without driving you to unnecessary fear, you get our guidance for parenting in this fallen world. Here we offer a sample of our wellness resources for ages Newborn through Five Years that accompanies your sleeping well at night knowing we will work with you to individualize your child’s health care.
Post C-Section Baby Microbiome
Various studies confirm that the gut bacteria (known as the gut microbiome) of babies born by C-section are different than the microbiome of those born vaginally. The C-section babies definitely have lower levels of bacteria like Lactobacillus, Escherichia, and Bacteroides. Other studies suggest that this altered microbiome may play a role in the development of the baby’s future health. For this reason, some advocate swabbing the baby’s mouth with secretions taken from the mom’s vagina soon after birth as studies show that months down the road, this restores the C-section baby’s microbiome near to the vaginally delivered babies. We support this practice as long as mom has no vaginal infections that might harm the infant but be aware that mainline organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists do not recommend this practice.
How Functional Pediatrics Sees through a Different Lens
As noted, at least one mainstream medical organization advocates against this practice. We don’t get caught up with relying on other groups like this to finalize our guidance for you and your children. We apply our understanding of the developing gut microbiome and look across the available research with discernment. This research tells us that the practice appears quite safe and does impact the gut microbiome of babies weeks and months later for the better.
From there, without blindly following a one size fits all approach by such medical organizations, we collaborate with you, the parent, to determine what is the right thing for your newborn. If you choose to do so, we support your decision. If a vaginal swab was not possible, say in a hospital setting or mom having a fever during delivery, we can discuss other options like how to provide probiotics to your baby while breastfeeding. In the end, we want the best for your baby and we want you to rest in your heavenly Father’s care knowing you are making wise decisions.
Blessings from Dr. Potter and Lynn Day PA-C
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
