With the birthdate of your little one looming, you may have heard a funny word tossed around that made very little sense to you, and that word was ‘microbiome’. Perhaps you guessed that it has something to do with bacteria and gut health or maybe this is your very first time even coming across the word.

Whatever the case, we’re here to let you know what exactly this funny-sounding word is, and why it might be something you need to be aware of.

What is a microbiome?

The microbiome is the term used to describe the bacterial ecosystem inside the gut, most of which is acquired at birth when a baby passes through the vaginal passage.

But what does the microbiome do and why is it important?

Why is my baby’s microbiome so important?

Our microbiomes protect our immune systems and play important roles when it comes to nutritional health. They’re also related to food intake, as suboptimal microbiomes have been linked to overeating, while an optimal microbiome keeps a person from eating more than they need.

When a baby passes through the vagina they pick up a coating of “good” bacteria that allows them to digest their food but also provides some immunity to this new world they’ve found themselves in. But if a child is born via a Caesarean section or if a mother has received antibiotics during the birth, this can affect a baby’s microbiome.

Breastfeeding will vastly improve a baby’s microbiome because the mother shares their own “good” bacteria with their baby, and formula milks are designed to provide the necessary bacteria also. However, if a baby is born via Caesarean, the microbiome won’t prove as effective as that of a baby born vaginally.

So, can anything be done to optimise the microbiome of a baby born via caesarean or one whose mother was required to take antibiotics during birth?

How can I optimise my baby’s microbiome?

There are two options here, one of which can be done in advance, while the other can be performed any time after birth.

Vaginal seeding. This process describes the transferral of microbes found in the mother’s vagina to the baby post-birth. A rolled-up piece of sterile gauze is placed in the vagina for an hour before birth and then rubbed onto the baby once they are born. The idea is that the “good” bacteria found in the vagina will therefore still make its way on the baby’s skin and will have the desired effect. However, there’s some debate as to whether or not vagina seeding really does work as there’s still a great deal to be learnt. So speak to your doctor if you’re planning to have a Caesarean and want to explore this option.

Probiotics. Many experts believe that the “good” bacteria missing at birth, or eradicated by the use of antibiotics, can be replaced by the use of probiotics. Probiotics are supplements that contain live strains of lactobacillus, a common gut bacterium. Though some research does suggest that probiotics treat gastrointestinal problems and eczema, the jury is still out on whether probiotics really work and much more research needs to be done. Having said this, the use of probiotics doesn't seem to pose any risks, so some parents believe that the chance of a positive effect on their baby’s microbiome is worth taking. Please speak to your doctor if you plan on introducing probiotics to your baby’s diet.

What is a microbiome and why is it important for my newborn?

Your baby's gut health and immunity may benefit from breastfeeding and vaginal seeding.