Here is a recent article which talks about the effect of delivery method on the gut flora of newborns. Basically, studies show that babies delivered by C-section have altered gut flora which persists for at least six months after birth. Breastfeeding does not seem to change this alteration of gut flora.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/30/us-allergies-linked-idUSTRE78T3FK20110930
I've never seen any actual numbers, but I would guess that Crohn's and UC mums are more likely to have a C-section, but even without the IBD, the section rate for the US as a whole is around 32%!!!
If you do have a C-section, you may want to think about giving probiotics to your baby. Here are two articles that touch on this topic:
http://chriskresser.com/natural-childbirth-vii-c-section-risks-and-complications
http://scienceblogs.com/aetiology/2010/02/c-sections_allergies_and_probi.php
One more thing to consider for the Mums, if you have a C-section, it's likely you will be given strong IV antibiotics as an infection preventative. This will wreak havoc on your own intestinal bugs, so take some probiotics with you to the hospital for yourself!
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/30/us-allergies-linked-idUSTRE78T3FK20110930
I've never seen any actual numbers, but I would guess that Crohn's and UC mums are more likely to have a C-section, but even without the IBD, the section rate for the US as a whole is around 32%!!!
If you do have a C-section, you may want to think about giving probiotics to your baby. Here are two articles that touch on this topic:
http://chriskresser.com/natural-childbirth-vii-c-section-risks-and-complications
http://scienceblogs.com/aetiology/2010/02/c-sections_allergies_and_probi.php
One more thing to consider for the Mums, if you have a C-section, it's likely you will be given strong IV antibiotics as an infection preventative. This will wreak havoc on your own intestinal bugs, so take some probiotics with you to the hospital for yourself!