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The Role Of Bacteria In Pregnancy,

Birth, And Breastfeeding

Good bacteria are having a moment. While still in the early stages, some
interesting research is showing that microbiota on the skin and in the gut can
play a key role in maintaining good health. In the United States the National
Institutes of Health Common Funds Human Microbiome Project (HMP) is one
of several international efforts to study the microbial communities in and on
our bodies, and the affect these have on human health. Microbiota are being
studied across a range of areas from mental health and obesity, to skin
conditions such as eczema.
One key part of this research is looking at the role of microbial communities (or
microbiome) in pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. Pregnancy can change a

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womans gut microbiota, which may then transfer to the baby via the placenta
through the blood stream. Healthy intestinal bacteria play a key role in the
development of a babys immune system and gut (although the mechanisms
for this are still unclear). For that reason, it is not only nutritionists touting the
benefits of fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi, increasingly
pregnant women are being encouraged to increase their intake of probiotic
foods to encourage a healthy microbiome during pregnancy.
Studies are also looking at the role of vaginal and faecal bacteria in birth.
Differences have been shown between the microbiome of babies born
vaginally compared to caesarean section. There are also differences in the
microbiota of babies who are breastfed exclusively rather than formula fed.
Scientists speculate that these differences may explain the increased risk of
certain diseases for babies born by caesarean section or those that are formula
fed. One study found that babies born vaginally and then breastfed exclusively
had more beneficial gut microbiota. Research is currently being undertaken
into seeding or using vaginal swabs applied to the mouth, face and body of
babies born via caesarean section. I am seeing more of this in my work as a
midwife. Early results suggest this leads to the babies developing a microbiome
similar to that of babies born vaginally. If you give birth by caesarean section
talk to your obstetrician, doctor, or midwife about vaginal swabbing and
seeding microbiota. You can also consider this when looking at your birth plan.
There is also some research to suggest that probiotics might be useful for
babies who suffer from colic. From my own difficult experience with my
youngest son who suffered from colic I am very keen to see how this research
progresses.

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Happily the existing recommendations for pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding

support healthy microbial communities in babies and pregnant women. These
recommendations include:

Minimising stress during pregnancy, which can affect gut bacteria.

Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy including plenty of vegetables, of which
some can be fermented (did someone say midnight pickle craving?!)
Avoiding alcohol while pregnant.
Skin-to-skin contact immediately following birth.
Delayed bathing of the baby after birth, and then avoiding harsh cleansers
when the baby is bathed.
Exclusive breastfeeding wherever possible, and the use of formula containing
probiotics where breastfeeding is not possible.
Judicious use of antibiotics in pregnancy and during birth.
This is a fascinating area of health research. If you would like to know more about
the role of microbiota in pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding book in your private
appointment with me by visiting http://www.childbirtheducation.com.au/.

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