Foundations for Health: Optimizing Baby’s Gut Microbiome

Setting up a healthy gut microbiome happens in the narrow window of labor, birth, and early postpartum. A healthy infant microbiome plays a critical role in a child’s long-term health. Doulas can educate their clients how birth, skin-to-skin, and lactation help to optimally seed and feed baby’s microbiome, and how to set up baby’s immune system in the best possible way. In the case of a cesarean birth, doulas can share simple strategies with their clients to optimize their baby’s gut microbiome for long-lasting benefits. With this knowledge, parents will be empowered to make fully informed decisions regarding their birth and feeding choices.