Mums and Good Gut Bugs By Dr Sarah Lantz

‘It all starts with our gut’ is the catch-cry of our household and the foundation for our health practices, particularly since giving birth just four months ago.

You see, we are born with a sterile gut, and wouldn’t survive long if it wasn’t for the colonization of good bacteria in our gut. Nature has designed a perfect birthing process whereby babies ingest the bacteria from our mother’s vaginal flora on their way through the birthing canal.

As the defenders of our health, these good gut bacteria then multiply (reproduce), boosting immunity, alleviating digestive problems, protecting against e.coli infections, and increasing anti-carcinogenic (anti-cancer)activity. Without these bacteria, our immune system would simply not function.

But with so many women receiving cesarean sections these days, it got me thinking…what’s happening to babies who are missing out on that crucial step in the birth process – being colonized by the ‘base population’ of the mother’s vaginal microflora? And what about babies who are formula fed?

Where are they getting their good bacteria from given that it is breastfeeding that passes on these good gut bugs?

Studies reveal that caesarean-born babies are more susceptible to infection and allergies because intestinal colonization is delayed. At six months the rate is 36% for babies born via ceserean section, compared with 76% for vaginal delivery. Breastfed and formula-fed infants also have different gut flora. Breastfed babies have a lower gut pH (acidic environment) throughout the first six weeks that is dominated by bifidobacteria (good bacteria) with reduced pathogenic (disease-causing) microbes such asE coli and streptococci. Formula fed babies have a high gut pH with a variety of putrefactive bacterial species. The healthiest babies are those born full term, birthed vaginally, at home,and breastfed exclusively. These babies have the the most beneficial gut microbiota (highest numbers of bifidobacteria and lowest numbers of C difficile and E coli).

So what are the best ways to ensure a healthy and strong gut microflora for our mums and bubs?
• Give birth vaginally;
• Keep Mum and baby together
following birth (to prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria, especially when giving birth in a hospital);
• Give birth in a location far-removed from harmful bacteria (and consider homebirth or a natural birthing centre);
• Breastfeed as soon as possible following birth and frequently thereafter;
• Consume probiotics during regnancy and while breastfeeding. Probiotics line the gut with good bacteria. Consumed while pregnant and breastfeeding probiotics increases the immunoprotective potential of breast milk.
• Avoid giving babies and infants antibiotics, if possible. They kill the good gut bugs. It is those first few years of life, and inutero, that establish the health and wellbeing of children for the rest of their lives. And it all starts in the gut!
Dr Sarah Lantz (PhD) is a research fellow at the University of Queensland, mother, author of Chemical Free Kids and all round chemical conscious parenting nut.

For more information or to order a copy of her book go to www.nontoxsoapbox.com or
www.chemicalfreeparenting.com