Recommendations for Eczema Prevention:

Recommendations for Eczema Prevention:

1. Take Probiotics During Pregnancy: Taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus during pregnancy can reduce the risk of eczema in your baby by up to 50% (1).

2. Opt for a Natural Birth: Babies born via C-section are more likely to have gut flora similar to the hospital staff’s skin flora rather than their mother's. This can increase the risk of eczema by up to 43% (3). If a C-section is necessary, consider giving your baby a Bifidobacterium probiotic supplement to support their gut flora.

3. Breastfeed for an Extended Period: Breastfeeding is most effective when initiated with immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, minimizing interruptions such as weighing and washing. Breast milk promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that support the baby's immune system. It contains a variety of oligosaccharides and immune factors that support the growth of Bifidobacterium infantis. Aim to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months and continue along with solid foods for at least 1-2 years. Research from Scandinavian countries suggests that extended breastfeeding lowers the risk of allergies both in childhood and into late adolescence.

4. Introduce Allergens Gradually: Include small amounts of allergens in the breastfeeding mother’s diet, and later in the child’s diet once they start solids. Early, intermittent exposure to allergens can help modulate the immune response. If you notice any adverse reactions, such as eczema or mucus in bowel movements, discontinue the exposure as these can be signs of inflammation (5).

5. Encourage Play in Natural Environments: Allow your child to interact with dogs, play in the dirt, and explore parks and gardens. Early exposure to diverse germs helps the immune system learn which ones to combat and which to tolerate. Children who grow up with dogs have fewer allergies, likely due to the natural exposure to a variety of microorganisms (6). This aligns with the observation that children in less hygienic environments with more infectious diseases often have lower allergy rates (7). For more insights on the benefits of not keeping children overly clean, consider reading “The Dirt Cure” by Maya Shetreat-Klein (Simon and Schuster, 2016).

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