Your Baby's Microbiome: The Critical Role of Vaginal Birth and Breastfeeding for Lifelong Health

ISBN: 1603586954

Author: Harman, Toni

Condition: New

From the Directors of the Award-Winning Documentary MicrobirthAt least two amazing events happen during childbirth.Theres the obvious main event, which is the emergence of a new human into the world. But theres another event taking place simultaneously, a crucial event that is not visible to the naked eye, an event that could determine the lifelong health of the baby. This is the seeding of the babys microbiome, the community of good bacteria that we carry with us throughout our lives.The seeding of the microbiome, along with breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, kick-starts the babys immune system and helps protect the infant from disease across a lifetime. Researchers are discovering, however, that interventions such as the use of synthetic oxytocin, antibiotics, C-sections, and formula feeding interfere with, or bypass completely, the microbial transfer from mother to baby. These bacteria are vital for human health, and science has linked an imbalance in the human microbiome with multiple chronic diseases.Drawing on the extensive research they carried out for their documentary film Microbirth, authors Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford reveal a fascinating new view of birth and how microscopic happenings can have lifelong consequences, for ourselves, our children-and our species as a whole.

• Your Baby's Microbiome: The Critical Role of Vaginal Birth and Breastfeeding for Lifelong Health