Did you know your digestive tract is teeming with bacteria? Good bacteria, that is.

Probiotic is the term used to describe the billions of “friendly” live bacteria located in the intestinal tract. We are first exposed to bacteria when we are born and during infancy. The birth canal is full of  bacteria that the infant swallows while moving through the birth canal. Then, the bacteria colonize the infant’s gastrointestinal tract and set the stage for a healthy immune system.

When a child is born via Caesarean section, the “good” bacteria is never exposed to the child and he or she may have a delay in the colonization of the beneficial bacteria. This delay allows for a greater risk of:

  • infection
  • colic
  • constipation
  • gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
  • Infants suffering from thrush and cradle cap can also benefit from probiotics

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