After years of ritual attempts at disinfection of the 'operational field'
during normal births, it seems we are learning that the proximity of our birth
canals to our other exits is not a design flaw, due to some divine oversight.
Surprise, surprise!  We are adapted to be introduced to our mother's gut flora
immediately upon entering this world, and the milk she has for us will promote
the best of those bacteria in an optimal balance.
I'm not at home, but will try to remember to find the reference when I get
there, for a study done in Norway and presented at the European Congress on
Perinatal Medicine in June, showing the sharply increased risk of allergy in
cesarean-born children of allergic mothers.  It was startling.  The
investigators postulated that the delayed exposure to mother's gut flora led
to a skewed gut ecology which persisted for quite a long time.
Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway, but at the moment in Gothenburg, Sweden - a beautiful
city where the fall weather is clear and refreshing today

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