Biomes & Babies
Babies are almost sterile in the womb- but not completely. Vaginal birth and breastfeeding are designed to pass to baby all the good bacteria they need to seed their microbiome, however realistically- with a 39% caesarian birth rate in the UK, we are not always able to fully stack the odds for a diverse microbiome.
The term ‘microbiome’ refers to the collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) plus their genes, residing in and on our bodies. During pregnancy, there are dynamic changes in the maternal gut and vaginal microbiomes, and these interact with maternal physiology, immunity, metabolism and developing fetus.
So what can we do?
Here, I have summarised how we can optimise this throughout pregnancy and birth:
While pregnant, it is beneficial to eat a variety of unprocessed food, and food that is high in fibre especially leafy greens, fresh fruit and vegetables. Aim to reduce sugar and prioritise eating fermented foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles.
Easier said than done- of course- but try to reduce stress where possible, get outdoors and participate in moderate exercise to reduce inflammation and gut permeability.
Avoid antibiotics if possible, and over-sanitising your home or self.
If having a vaginal birth, baby passes through the birth canal and is exposed to the diversity of the mother’s microbiome, which is fantastic for seeding baby’s microbiome. Skin to skin after birth and respecting the ‘Golden Hour’ continues this process. Depending on the circumstances around the birth, antibiotics may or may not be required- so if they can’t be avoided, consider a probiotic and increase gut-friendly foods. Bring a washed baby blanket from home as this will expose baby to your home environment and biome. Promote breastfeeding and encourage the first feed to be skin to skin.
Whether having a planned or unplanned caesarian birth, it is possible to expose baby to a fairly diverse microbiome through ensuring skin to skin in theatre, and if this isn’t possible, facilitating skin to skin with your partner. Minimise handling of baby by non-family members within the first 24 hours and promote breastfeeding. Again, reducing antibiotic exposure and eating a gut-friendly diet will also diversify baby’s microbiome.
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