C-section delivery in Singapore is on the rise, increasing from 32% in 2005 to 37% 10 years ago in 2014, and reported to be the highest C-section rate among ASEAN countries. With around 4 in 10 children in Singapore born via C-section, more parents are becoming aware of the unique nutritional and developmental needs of their little ones.
To shed light on this important topic, Mead Johnson Nutrition hosted an exclusive sharing session at FairPrice VivoCity, led by Dr. Kao Pao-Tang, paediatrician from IBCA@Parkway Medicentre together with actress and Enfagrow A+ mum Sora Ma. The event coincided with the launch of Enfagrow A+ Pro C-Biome, a new toddler formula designed especially for C-section children.
The launch highlighted Mead Johnson Nutrition’s ongoing commitment to early childhood nutrition and innovation, celebrating the company’s 120th anniversary alongside Singapore’s SG60 milestone, symbolising a shared legacy of nurturing generations together.
At the event, Dr. Kao and Sora Ma discussed the unique challenges faced by children born via C-section, while Mead Johnson Nutrition introduced its latest formulation to support stronger immunity and holistic brain development through its 2x higher 2’-FL, prebiotics, MFGM & DHA* formulation.
(Compared to Enfagrow A+ Pro Stage 3, 2’-FL level per serving)
A Closer Look: How Birth Methods Affect Gut Health
While most parents research their delivery options thoroughly, few may be aware of how a baby’s mode of delivery can shape gut health. To better understand this connection, we spoke with Dr. Kao Pao Tang, who shared his insights on early gut microbiome development and practical ways parents can help strengthen their child’s immunity.
Interview with Dr. Kao Pao Tang, Paediatrician from IBCA@Parkway Medicentre
1) Many mums research their delivery process carefully, but few may know about how birth methods affect a child’s gut health. Could you explain this simply for parents?
Dr. Kao Pao-Tang: Vaginal births expose babies to a wider variety of friendly bacteria, helping their gut develop quickly. C-section babies start with fewer types of bacteria, but this difference can be reduced through good nutrition and exposure to the home environment over time.
2) How common are C-section births in Singapore today, and what does that mean for families?
Dr. Kao Pao-Tang: Of late, roughly 4 in 10 births in Singapore are now by C-section – one of the highest rates in the region. That means many families will have children whose microbiomes begin differently, so it’s important to support their immunity through balanced nutrition, not to feel worried or guilty about the delivery method.
3) What are some of the most common misconceptions parents have about C-section children and their immunity?
Dr. Kao Pao-Tang: The biggest myth is that C-section children are “weaker.” They aren’t – their immune systems just develop differently. With good nutrition, enough rest, physical activity, and a supportive environment, C-section children can be just as resilient and healthy as any other child.
4) Can you share why gut health is so important in the first three years of life?
Dr. Kao Pao-Tang: This is when the microbiome and immune system are learning to communicate. The gut is where most of the immune training happens, and this “training period” shapes how children respond to future infections and allergies. Building a healthy gut early sets the foundation for long–term wellness.
5) Beyond nutrition, what practical advice would you give parents who want to strengthen their child’s immunity?
Dr. Kao Pao-Tang: Simple routines help – adequate sleep, daily outdoor play, balanced meals, and vaccination according to schedule. Avoid overuse of antibiotics, which can disturb gut balance. Encourage variety in the diet, including fruits, vegetables, and fibre–rich foods to feed good gut bacteria.
6) How can mums and dads feel reassured that they are giving their child the best support, especially if they had a C-section birth?
Dr. Kao Pao-Tang: Parents can take comfort in knowing that every child’s immune system can adapt and grow stronger with time. What matters most is creating a nurturing, stress–free environment, offering balanced nutrition, and maintaining regular health checkups. It’s not about how a child was born, but how we support their growth afterward.
Product Insights from Mead Johnson Nutrition’s spokesperson
1) What makes the new Enfagrow A+ Pro C-Biome different from other toddler formulas on the market?
Mead Johnson Nutrition’s spokesperson: Enfagrow A+ Pro C-Biome is scientifically formulated with 2x higher 2’-FL*, prebiotics and MFGM & DHA to strengthen immunity & support holistic brain development in children, especially C-section children. With 120 years of leadership in paediatric nutrition, Mead Johnson Nutrition has been the pioneer in the introduction of DHA and MFGM in children formula milk, the only brand** in Singapore that provide MFGM and DHA to support holistic brain development.
*Compared to Enfagrow A+ Pro Stage 3, 2’-FL level per serving.
**Compared to key growing-up milk brands in Singapore as at Sept 2025.
2) Is this formula suitable for all children, or should parents think of it as more targeted?
Mead Johnson Nutrition’s spokesperson: Enfagrow A+ Pro C-Biome is scientifically formulated to support stronger immunity and brain development in all children, not just C-section children. If your child falls sick easily or immune health is your key concern, feel free to try Enfagrow A+ Pro C-Biome with 2x higher 2’-FL* and prebiotics for stronger immunity and gut health.
*Compared to Enfagrow A+ Pro Stage 3, 2’-FL level per serving.
The rise of C-section deliveries in Singapore highlights an evolving landscape of parenthood, one where awareness, science, and proactive nutrition play increasingly vital roles. As Mead Johnson Nutrition celebrates 120 years of innovation, the launch of Enfagrow A+ Pro C-Biome reaffirms the brand’s commitment to nourishing every child for a stronger, smarter future.
Whether born naturally or via C-section, every child deserves the best start in life and with the right nutrition and care, parents can confidently nurture their child’s immunity, gut health, and overall development.
Availability
The product is now available at all NTUC FairPrice outlets at RRP $59.00.
For more information, please visit https://www.enfagrow.com.sg/pages/why-enfagrow-a-pro-c-biome.