At the Immuno Center, we have launched a new sector dedicated to supporting pregnant women, mothers and their partners, with the aim of promoting a healthy newborn microbiome. Our focus is on providing comprehensive support through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period, using proven methods that increase the likelihood of a natural birth and successful breastfeeding, which are key factors for the optimal development of the baby’s microbiome.
The current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina indicates the need for greater support during the perinatal period. The caesarean section rate is as high as 30%, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends this number to be around 10%. This means that 2 out of 10 women in BiH go through an unnecessary caesarean section that could have been avoided! In some cantons, this rate exceeds 43%, which is far above the recommended standards.
The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life is also worrisome, as only 18% of women in BiH exclusively breastfeed up to six months, and only 12% continue breastfeeding until the second year of life. By comparison, in Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months is as high as 80-90%. In our country, only every seventh woman exclusively breastfeeds her child.
These statistics clearly show the importance of support during the perinatal period in order to achieve better health for mothers and babies. Through adequate support from a doula, pregnant women are able to better prepare their body and mind for childbirth. Statistics show that the presence of a doula reduces the need for caesarean section by as much as 50%, while quality support during childbirth and breastfeeding increases the rate of successful breastfeeding to 80%. This support is essential to creating a strong foundation for your child’s health, as breastfeeding plays an indispensable role in establishing a healthy microbiome.
Reducing the rate of caesarean sections and increasing the rate of breastfeeding is not just a matter of statistics – these are key factors for a healthy start to life and the development of the newborn’s microbiome. A natural vaginal birth, with the support of a doula that reduces the mother’s stress, allows the newborn to pass through the mother’s birth canal, which is the first encounter with healthy bacteria that play an important role in building the baby’s microbiome. Breastfeeding further continues this process, providing the child with nutrients and protective factors that are essential for the continued development of a healthy gut microbiome. This healthy start reduces the risk of later health problems related to microbiome imbalance, such as obesity, atopic diseases, allergies, asthma, dermatitis, autoimmune diseases and digestive disorders (eg irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease). A healthy microbiome established early in life can significantly affect a child’s health, and even later in adulthood, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Our new sector not only provides support during pregnancy and birth, but also connects with other specialists from the Immuno Center to ensure a comprehensive approach. In cooperation with our immunological sector, we offer education on the importance of the microbiome and the so-called microbiome window – a key period when the foundations for your child’s health are laid. Our immunologists will inform you about how avoiding unnecessary antibiotics and a well-thought-out diet can significantly affect your child’s health.
In addition, our team of phytotherapists can help you preserve a healthy vaginal flora, using natural preparations to solve problems such as candidiasis, avoiding the need for pharmacological treatments. Phytotherapy offers safe and effective ways to maintain health during pregnancy, which directly affects the health of your baby.
Our nutritionist is at your disposal to create individualized nutrition plans, especially adapted to pregnant women. Proper nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the development of a healthy microbiome in the newborn, and our expert team is here to guide you through every phase of this important process.
The new sector at the Immuno Center is dedicated to empowering mothers and families, enabling them to make informed decisions that will improve the long-term health and quality of life of their children. With us, your birth becomes not only an experience, but also an opportunity to ensure the best possible start for your child’s life.
