We support the World Health Organisation’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding along with the introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age and beyond.

C-Section Toddler Immunity Support: A Guide to Supporting Gut Microbiome


Bringing a child into this world through a Cesarean section (C-section) is a beautiful journey filled with hope and love. Yet, if you are a mom of a toddler born via C-section, you might wonder about your child’s immunity and overall health. It's natural to be concerned as research has shown that C-section children may have an imbalance of good bacteria, and may need stronger immunity & gut support.

The good news? With the right nutritional strategies and awareness, you can actively support and nurture your toddler’s immunity during these crucial early years. Many Singapore mums today are seeking trusted solutions for C-section toddler immunity support. This article explains why immunity is an important aspect for mums to focus on for children born via C-section and how proper nutrition during their early five years can help build immune resilience and support overall health.


Understanding C-Section Toddlers’ Immunity Support: Gut Microbiome as the Foundation of Health

Toddlers born via C-section may miss some of the beneficial bacteria they would typically get from passing through the birth canal. This early bacterial exposure helps develop a healthy gut microbiome, a community of good microorganisms in the digestive system that supports the immune system. 1,2

Your toddler’s gut microbiome is like the root system of a tree, hidden beneath the surface but essential for nourishment, growth, and overall strength. Just as strong roots provide stability to a tree, a healthy gut microbiome supports digestion, immunity, and brain health in your little one.

For C-section-born children, these “roots” may need extra care to thrive. Through proper nutrition, prebiotics, and dedicated C-section toddler immunity support , you can help strengthen this foundation, ensuring your child’s gut microbiome develops fully and supports optimal brain health and long-term wellness. A healthy gut microbiome is particularly crucial when the immune system is still developing.


Building Stronger Immunity: Early Support Strategies

Nurturing Immunity with the Right Nutrition in Early Development 6,7

Supporting your C-section child’s immunity is about gentle, consistent care - this means providing key nutrients and healthy habits that make a real difference during early childhood. These key nutrients include:

  • 2'-FL (2'-Fucosyllactose) : Supports the growth of good gut bacteria and helps maintain a balanced digestive system

  • Prebiotic inulin : Promotes a healthy gut by being fermented by beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that lower intestinal pH, inhibit harmful bacteria, and support gut barrier integrity and digestive balance. 15

  • Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) : Contains phospholipids and sphingomyelin, key to mental and physical development. Combined with expert-recommended DHA, these nutrients work together to enhance cognitive and physical growth in children

  • Iron and zinc : Essential for building strong immunity and supporting growth.

  • Vitamins A, C, and E : Help protect the body and maintain a healthy immune response.

Together, these nutrients help strengthen immunity by protecting the gut, boosting defences, and supporting healthy brain-body connections. 6,7,8


C-section toddler immunity support- A Happy Toddler

Advancements in Toddler Nutrition: How 2’-FL in Growing Up Milk Formulas Supports Immunity

2’-FL helps support gut bacteria and immunity. Today, you can find it in 2'-FL toddler growing up milk formulas designed especially to support immunity. By strengthening the gut microbiome, 2’-FL helps reduce the chances of frequent infections and supports overall immune resilience in toddlers. 11

In Singapore, many mums increasingly consider toddler formulas with nutrients like DHA, MFGM, and prebiotics, viewing them as an added support to everyday meals. 13


Enfagrow A+ Pro C-Biome SG – Supporting Stronger Immunity, Sharper Mind for C-Section Children

2x higher 2’-FL Advance for immune resilience*

Enfagrow A+ Pro C-Biome contains 2x higher 2’-FL Advance* to help your child build stronger defences naturally. 2’-FL acts like a food source for good gut bacteria, which in turn trains the immune system to respond better to germs. 19

Prebiotic Inulin provides support for both gut health and brain development.

Prebiotic Inulin helps strengthen gut health and brain development. A strong mind and a strong body go hand in hand. Prebiotics feed beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, improving nutrient absorption and supporting immunity from within. 20


MFGM and DHA for cognitive development alongside immune health

MFGM contains 8 bioactive nutrients, such as sphingomyelin, gangliosides and phospholipids, alongside 150+ lipids to support long-term brain development, but has also been shown to reduce the number of sick days in children. 21

DHA level that help meet daily DHA intake*, complements this by supporting memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Together, MFGM and DHA work synergistically to build both IQ and EQ, nurturing holistic cognitive and emotional development in early childhood. 22

MFGM also provides bioactive compounds that strengthen the gut barrier and immune defenses. DHA supports a healthy gut environment, aiding nutrient absorption for overall immunity. Together, MFGM and DHA also supports in building a strong gut foundation to support lasting immune health. 17 18


In Conclusion

Supporting your C-section children isn’t just about fighting germs; it’s about nurturing their entire well-being from the inside out. By focusing on tailored nutrition and caring for their gut microbiome, you are laying a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Every meal, hug, and healthy habit helps your toddler thrive and grow with confidence. Your intuitive love and the right nutritional choices empower your child to overcome early immunity challenges and reach their full potential.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. With trusted resources and science-backed options like Enfagrow A+ Pro C-Biome SG, mums are empowered to give their toddlers the best start in life, strong, smart, and ready for anything. 14

Ready to support your child’s gut and immune health naturally?

Join the Enfamama A+ Club for expert tips and guide to help little ones thrive every day.

*Meet expert recommended daily DHA intake by 3 servings per day. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Fats and Fatty Acids in Human Nutrition recommends daily dietary DHA intake of 10-12mg/kg body weight for children 12-24 months or 100-150mg DHA+EPA for children 2-4 years old.



References:

  1. Chenchen Zhang, Lixiang Li, et al, The Effects of Delivery Mode on the Gut Microbiota and Health: State of Art, December 23, 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8733716/#:~:text=The%20delivery%20mode%20is%20an,cesarean%20section%20related%20gut%20diseases Accessed August 2025

  2. Paige Buffington, et al, Consequences of a cesarean section on the neonatal gut microbiome and future outcomes: a qualitative analysis of the literature, 1 February 2023, https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S2753695523000043 Accessed August 2025

  3. Francesco Inchingolo, et al, The Impact of Cesarean Section Delivery on Intestinal Microbiota: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Perspectives—A Systematic Review, 15 January 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10816971/ Accessed August 2025

  4. Claire McCarthy, MD, Boosting your child's immune system, Harvard Health, September 11, 2024, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/boosting-your-childs-immune-system-202110122614 Accessed August 2025

  5. Zakiudin Munasir, Levina Chandra Khoe, Immune development of children born from Caesarean section, World Nutrition Journal, October 2020, https://worldnutrijournal.org/OJS/index.php/WNJ/article/view/V04.S2.0003 Accessed August 2025

  6. Camelia Munteanu, Betty Schwartz, The relationship between nutrition and the immune system, 8 December 2022, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9772031/ Accessed August 2025

  7. Radha Pujari, Gautam Banerjee, Impact of prebiotics on immune response: from the bench to the clinic, 30 September 2020, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imcb.12409 Accessed August 2025

  8. Francisca Echeverría González, et al, IN TIME: IMPORTANCE OF OMEGA 3 IN CHILDREN’S NUTRITION, Jan-Mar 2017, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5417803/ Accessed August 2025

  9. L A Horrocks, Y K Yeo, Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10479465/ Accessed August 2025

  10. Hamid Jan Jan Mohamed, Eric Kim Hor Lee, et al, Brain–immune–gut benefits with early life supplementation of milk fat globule membrane, JGH Open, 1 June 2022,, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9260205/ Accessed August 2025

  11. Seon Ha Jo, et al, The Human Milk Oligosaccharide 2'-Fucosyllactose Shows an Immune-Enhancing Effect in a Cyclophosphamide-Induced Mouse Model, 13 Dec 2022, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10084749/ Accessed August 2025

  12. What are the nutritional requirements for 2-3 year-olds? Here's our guide to nutrition and eating well for toddlers aged 25 to 36 months old. HealthHub, https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/nutrition-for-toddlers-25-36-months-old Accessed August 2025

  13. Enfagrow. New scientific formula. https://www.enfagrow.com.sg/blogs/brain-development/new-scientific-formula Accessed August 2025

  14. HealthHub. Nutritional requirements for toddler s 25-36 months old. https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/nutrition-for-toddlers-25-36-months-old Accessed August 2025

  15. VeryWellMind. The health benefits of DHA. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-health-benefits-of-dha-89183#:~:text=What%20Is%20Docosahexaenoic%20Acid%20(DHA,notably%2C%20your%20brain%20and%20heart Accessed August 2025

  16. Wyethnutrition. 2-FL Enriched Formula: How to boost immune system in children. https://www.wyethnutrition.com.sg/how-2-fl-improves-child-immune-system Accessed September 2025

  17. PMC. Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Gut Microbiota. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5751248/ Accessed September 2025

  18. Frontierin.org. Milk Fat Globule Membrane Attenuates Acute Colitis and Secondary Liver Injury by Improving the Mucus Barrier and Regulating the Gut Microbiota. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.865273/full Accessed September 2025

  19. Pubmed. Human milk oligosaccharides: every baby needs a sugar mama. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22513036/ Accessed September 2025

  20. MDPI. Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/9/1021 Accessed September 2025

  21. Pubmed. Milk fat globule membrane (INPULSE) enriched formula milk decreases febrile episodes and may improve behavioral regulation in young children. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22305534/ Accessed September 2025

  22. PMC. Milk Fat Globule Membrane Supplementation in Children: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7996302/ Accessed September 2025

Yes! I would like to know more about Enfagrow A+ Pro Gentlease products!
Join Enfamama A+ Club