Pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and skin-to-skin are times that establish the baby’s best health! They provide essential exposure to their mother’s microbiome.
The microbiome is a microscopic community formed by all hundred trillion forms of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and their genes, living in every nook and cranny, inside of us and around us in the water, soil, and air. For humans, the microbiome plays an essential role in digestion and metabolism. Research reveals that the gut bacteria micro-ecosystem is especially key to long-term health and wellness. It is integral to a strong immune system, providing essential cells that fine-tune our body’s response to threats.
The mother’s microbiome builds the baby’s microbiome. During pregnancy, it even changes, helping the baby's gut receive beneficial bacteria at birth! The process of colonization of our microbiome is now known to be a natural and steady one in the fetus. Since placentas have specific microorganisms, they are not sterile at birth. Babies have already been receiving the mother’s microbiome in the womb—through the oral, vaginal, and intestinal microbiota through the placenta—preparing the baby for life in the outside world.
Significantly, the major seeding of the baby’s microbiome occurs during their passage through the birth canal. As soon as the waters break, the baby is exposed to vaginal microbes in the birth canal. Then, more microbes are acquired from contact with the mother’s fecal microbiota (poop) when born, then from skin-to-skin and breastfeeding, and with every touch and every breath.
Microbes acquired from the mother help to optimally train an infant’s naïve immune system, teaching it to correctly identify what is friend and what is foe. This early learning connects the gut and brain in complex ways needed for optimal immune health in the baby. The microbes help break down food to provide energy and limit harmful bacteria. They maintain gut barrier integrity, keeping harmful substances out of the blood and reducing inflammation.
Birth by cesarean section interferes with the ‘main seeding event’ for the newborn’s microbiome. A baby born by cesarean will not acquire the full complement of the mother’s vaginal microbes, and could also be negatively impacted by antibiotics used due to surgery—and both, sadly, have ramifications for lifelong health. Therefore, it is so important not to resort to a cesarean birth unless medically validated. [If a cesarean is medically necessary, the baby still receives some of their mother's microbiome through the placenta, time skin-to-skin and, especially, breastmilk.]
After birth,breastfeeding gives the growing baby more good seeding of their microbiome. As well as delivering the perfect nutrition, immune components, antibodies, over 700 species of microbes, and other living ingredients, breast milk also contains human milk oligosaccharides.These special carbohydrates (made of simple sugars) feed the baby’s healthy gut microbiome—encouraging good bacteria to flourish. In other words, breastmilk carries to the baby what is best needed to feed and grow their ideal gut microecosystem.
Since the mother’s microbes are passed to her child during vaginal birth and breastfeeding, expectant and new mothers need to look after their microbes. It is key that they eat a diverse range of fresh fruit and vegetables, including fermented and high-fiber foods, and avoid antibacterial products and (as much as possible) antibiotics. It is best to limit processed foods that lack a strong matrix in their cell walls and thus do not effectively transport food to their microbiome.
Sometimes infant formula is needed. But—if it is a choice—before considering switching, know that formula is a processed food which lacks many of the benefits of breastmilk. If you decide to formula feed, stay empowered to avoid bad bacteria—make sure everyone helping with feeding understands the importance of following guidelines for preparing formula, storing unused formula, and proper cleaning of bottles and nipples. [To ensure the best for a formula-fed baby, it is key to follow the exact instructions and avoid plastic bottles (which, when heated, leach plastics into the formula).]
Research continues to show the significance of vaginal birth as the best seeding of the baby’s microbiome from their mother—so a decision for a cesarean should not be taken lightly. For all babies (whether born vaginally or by cesarean), their first meeting with the microbial world is through the placenta. After birth, when a baby receives their first embrace from their mother, it is like a group hug from her skin microbiome. Additionally, breastmilk is creamy, good bacterial seeding that strengthens the baby's immune system. Also, regular skin-to-skin contact exposes the baby to more good bacteria… plus enhances bonding and helps the mother-baby dyad to relax.
Further essential research is needed about placental microbiota and maternal-fetal diseases, as well as what we can do to best support babies’ optimal development and health from the moment of birth.Early childbirth preparation and breastfeeding education set families up to learn and give the best to their newborns.
For now, we can be confident that the way nature empowered women to carry children and birth naturally, hold their babies, and breastfeed aligns exactly with what the most evidence-based science on childbirth and newborn care says! That tells us—we can trust the mother-baby dyad to find the best way to good health!
Are you a new parent wanting the best for your baby? Education to know—and confidence to choose—what is optimal for your baby is essential. Join our online childbirth prep immersion or find a class near you. Are you a birth professional seeking more ways to help families you work with? Join a workshop or certification for in-depth training. Reach us to chat: contact us or email info@birthworks.org.
References
Azad, M.B., Konya, T., Persaud, R.R., Guttman, D.S., Chari, R.S., Field, C.J., Sears, M.R., Mandhane, P.J., Turvey, S.E., Subbarao, P., Becker, A.B., Scott, J.A., Kozyrskyj, A.L., & CHILD Study Investigators (2016). Impact of maternal intrapartum antibiotics, method of birth and breastfeeding on gut microbiota during the first year of life: A prospective cohort study. BJOG: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology,123(6), 983-993. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.13601
Churkan, R. (2015). The microbiome solution: A radical new way to heal your body from the inside out. Avery Publishing.
Collado, M., Rautava, S., Aakko, J., Isolauri, E., & Salminen, S. (2016). Human gut colonisation may be initiated in utero by distinct microbial communities in the placenta and amniotic fluid. Scientific Reports, (6), 23129. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep23129
Dietert, R., & Dietert, J. (2012). The completed self: An immunological view of the human-microbiome superorganism and risk of chronic diseases. Entropy,14(11), 2036–65. https://doi:10.3390/e14112036.
Greger, M. (2023). How not to age. Flatiron Books.
Harman, T., & Wakeford, A. (2017). Your baby’s microbiome: The critical role of vaginal birth and breastfeeding for lifelong health. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Mueller, N.T., Bakacs, E., Combellick, J., Grigoryan, Z., & Dominguez-Bello, M.G. (2015). The infant microbiome development: Mom matters. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 21(2), 109–17. https://doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2014.12.002
Tuominen, H., Collado, M.C., Rautava, J., Syrjänen, S., & Rautava, S. (2019). Composition and maternal origin of the neonatal oral cavity microbiota. Journal of Oral Microbiology, 11(1), 1663084. https://doi.org/10.1080/20002297.2019.1663084
Xie, Z., Chen, Z., Chai, Y., Yao, W., & Ma, G. (2025). Unveiling the placental bacterial microbiota: Implications for maternal and infant health. Frontiers in Physiology, 16, 1544216. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1544216
Yang, P., Lu, T., Liang, X., Huang, T., Wu, L., He., Z., Xiao, X., & Fan, S. (2024). The Influence of placenta microbiota of normal term pregnant women on immune regulation during pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth,24(1),171. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06353-x
Edited by Cristin Tighe and Christine Wood
Pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and skin-to-skin are times that establish the baby’s best health! They provide essential exposure to their mother’s microbiome.
The microbiome is a microscopic community formed by all hundred trillion forms of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and their genes, living in every nook and cranny, inside of us and around us in the water, soil, and air. For humans, the microbiome plays an essential role in digestion and metabolism. Research reveals that the gut bacteria micro-ecosystem is especially key to long-term health and wellness. It is integral to a strong immune system, providing essential cells that fine-tune our body’s response to threats.
The mother’s microbiome builds the baby’s microbiome. During pregnancy, it even changes, helping the baby’s gut receive beneficial bacteria at birth! The process of colonization of our microbiome is now known to be a natural and steady one in the fetus. Since placentas have specific microorganisms, they are not sterile at birth. Babies have already been receiving the mother’s microbiome in the womb—through the oral, vaginal, and intestinal microbiota through the placenta—preparing the baby for life in the outside world.
Significantly, the major seeding of the baby’s microbiome occurs during their passage through the birth canal. As soon as the waters break, the baby is exposed to vaginal microbes in the birth canal. Then, more microbes are acquired from contact with the mother’s fecal microbiota (poop) when born, then from skin-to-skin and breastfeeding, and with every touch and every breath.
Microbes acquired from the mother help to optimally train an infant’s naïve immune system, teaching it to correctly identify what is friend and what is foe. This early learning connects the gut and brain in complex ways needed for optimal immune health in the baby. The microbes help break down food to provide energy and limit harmful bacteria. They maintain gut barrier integrity, keeping harmful substances out of the blood and reducing inflammation.
Birth by cesarean section interferes with the ‘main seeding event’ for the newborn’s microbiome. A baby born by cesarean will not acquire the full complement of the mother’s vaginal microbes, and could also be negatively impacted by antibiotics used due to surgery—and both, sadly, have ramifications for lifelong health. Therefore, it is so important not to resort to a cesarean birth unless medically validated. [If a cesarean is medically necessary, the baby still receives some of their mother’s microbiome through the placenta, time skin-to-skin and, especially, breastmilk.]
After birth,breastfeeding gives the growing baby more good seeding of their microbiome. As well as delivering the perfect nutrition, immune components, antibodies, over 700 species of microbes, and other living ingredients, breast milk also contains human milk oligosaccharides.These special carbohydrates (made of simple sugars) feed the baby’s healthy gut microbiome—encouraging good bacteria to flourish. In other words, breastmilk carries to the baby what is best needed to feed and grow their ideal gut microecosystem.
Since the mother’s microbes are passed to her child during vaginal birth and breastfeeding, expectant and new mothers need to look after their microbes. It is key that they eat a diverse range of fresh fruit and vegetables, including fermented and high-fiber foods, and avoid antibacterial products and (as much as possible) antibiotics. It is best to limit processed foods that lack a strong matrix in their cell walls and thus do not effectively transport food to their microbiome.
Sometimes infant formula is needed. But—if it is a choice—before considering switching, know that formula is a processed food which lacks many of the benefits of breastmilk. If you decide to formula feed, stay empowered to avoid bad bacteria—make sure everyone helping with feeding understands the importance of following guidelines for preparing formula, storing unused formula, and proper cleaning of bottles and nipples. [To ensure the best for a formula-fed baby, it is key to follow the exact instructions and avoid plastic bottles (which, when heated, leach plastics into the formula).]
Research continues to show the significance of vaginal birth as the best seeding of the baby’s microbiome from their mother—so a decision for a cesarean should not be taken lightly. For all babies (whether born vaginally or by cesarean), their first meeting with the microbial world is through the placenta. After birth, when a baby receives their first embrace from their mother, it is like a group hug from her skin microbiome. Additionally, breastmilk is creamy, good bacterial seeding that strengthens the baby’s immune system. Also, regular skin-to-skin contact exposes the baby to more good bacteria… plus enhances bonding and helps the mother-baby dyad to relax.
Further essential research is needed about placental microbiota and maternal-fetal diseases, as well as what we can do to best support babies’ optimal development and health from the moment of birth.Early childbirth preparation and breastfeeding education set families up to learn and give the best to their newborns.
For now, we can be confident that the way nature empowered women to carry children and birth naturally, hold their babies, and breastfeed aligns exactly with what the most evidence-based science on childbirth and newborn care says! That tells us—we can trust the mother-baby dyad to find the best way to good health!
Are you a new parent wanting the best for your baby? Education to know—and confidence to choose—what is optimal for your baby is essential. Join our online childbirth prep immersion or find a class near you. Are you a birth professional seeking more ways to help families you work with? Join a workshop or certification for in-depth training. Reach us to chat: contact us or email info@birthworks.org.
References
Azad, M.B., Konya, T., Persaud, R.R., Guttman, D.S., Chari, R.S., Field, C.J., Sears, M.R., Mandhane, P.J., Turvey, S.E., Subbarao, P., Becker, A.B., Scott, J.A., Kozyrskyj, A.L., & CHILD Study Investigators (2016). Impact of maternal intrapartum antibiotics, method of birth and breastfeeding on gut microbiota during the first year of life: A prospective cohort study. BJOG: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology,123(6), 983-993. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.13601
Churkan, R. (2015). The microbiome solution: A radical new way to heal your body from the inside out. Avery Publishing.
Collado, M., Rautava, S., Aakko, J., Isolauri, E., & Salminen, S. (2016). Human gut colonisation may be initiated in utero by distinct microbial communities in the placenta and amniotic fluid. Scientific Reports, (6), 23129. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep23129
Dietert, R., & Dietert, J. (2012). The completed self: An immunological view of the human-microbiome superorganism and risk of chronic diseases. Entropy,14(11), 2036–65. https://doi:10.3390/e14112036.
Greger, M. (2023). How not to age. Flatiron Books.
Harman, T., & Wakeford, A. (2017). Your baby’s microbiome: The critical role of vaginal birth and breastfeeding for lifelong health. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Mueller, N.T., Bakacs, E., Combellick, J., Grigoryan, Z., & Dominguez-Bello, M.G. (2015). The infant microbiome development: Mom matters. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 21(2), 109–17. https://doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2014.12.002
Tuominen, H., Collado, M.C., Rautava, J., Syrjänen, S., & Rautava, S. (2019). Composition and maternal origin of the neonatal oral cavity microbiota. Journal of Oral Microbiology, 11(1), 1663084. https://doi.org/10.1080/20002297.2019.1663084
Xie, Z., Chen, Z., Chai, Y., Yao, W., & Ma, G. (2025). Unveiling the placental bacterial microbiota: Implications for maternal and infant health. Frontiers in Physiology, 16, 1544216. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1544216
Yang, P., Lu, T., Liang, X., Huang, T., Wu, L., He., Z., Xiao, X., & Fan, S. (2024). The Influence of placenta microbiota of normal term pregnant women on immune regulation during pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth,24(1),171. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06353-x
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