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From leaking diapers to sleepless nights, parenting is an extreme sport. But did you know the real game-changer is invisible and lives in your gut? Buckle up for a probiotic-powered ride through motherhood! Welcome to the adventure of parenthood.
As a new mom, both your and your baby's microbiome health matters. But, does the mom taking probiotics help the baby?
Taking probiotics can improve your overall health, increase the nutritional value of your breast milk, and even help reduce the risk of mastitis. Taking probiotic supplements can boost your health, improve the nutritional value of your breast milk, and may assist in treating and preventing infectious mastitis.
Discover natural sources of probiotics and understand their importance in breastfeeding and how including probiotics in your diet can greatly benefit your child.
The role of probiotics in the maternal diet:
But did you know that adding probiotics to your diet might help this process even further? According to research, mothers' breastmilk provides babies with healthy probiotic bacteria.
Probiotics, commonly known as "good bacteria," are essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, both for you and your kid. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii are some of the important probiotic microorganisms that can benefit both of you.
Research suggests that maternal probiotic use during nursing can benefit newborn health by maintaining immunological homeostasis and modulating immune responses. But breast milk provides more than just probiotics; it also contains vital prebiotics known as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).
These sugar molecules promote the development of advantageous microbial colonies in the infant’s gut, notably Bifidobacteria, which play a key role in blocking harmful bacteria and enhancing immune and inflammatory responses.
During birth, your baby gets key microbes from the birth canal, starting their gut microbiome.
This natural microbe transfer is crucial for starting your baby's immune defense. Infants born via caesarean section, who bypass this initial microbial exchange, often face an increased risk of immune-related challenges, such as asthma and type 1 diabetes, underscoring the profound impact of this early microbial exposure.
If you're struggling to incorporate probiotics into your maternal diet, explore our range of probiotics at The Good Bug to enhance your diet. Nailed it with your diet? Awesome! Now, let's see the ripple effect your probiotic-filled diet has on breastfeeding and, in turn, your bundle of joy.
Natural sources of probiotics:
You can promote healthy breast milk and gut health through natural sources such as probiotics. This includes: Kefir Kimchi, Kombucha, Buttermilk, apple cider vinegar.
These fermented foods provide helpful enzymes, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotic microorganisms. However, the specific advantages and quantities of probiotics in these meals can vary, making it difficult to determine their true impact when compared to regulated supplements.
If incorporating these foods into your diet is difficult, The Gut Balance from The Good Bug can be an effective alternative.
Possible challenges due to poor gut health
Compromised gut health can manifest a range of issues in both babies and mothers, impacting their overall well-being. Here are some symptoms and challenges that may arise from inadequate gut health:
In babies:
- Poor growth: Difficulty in gaining weight or growing as expected.
- Colic: Intense, unexplained fussiness and crying in infants.
- Reflux: Frequent or severe episodes of spitting up or discomfort.
- Frequent infections: Increased susceptibility to infections due to a weaker immune system.
- Skin rashes or eczema: Persistent skin issues that may indicate allergic reactions or sensitivities.
- Food intolerance: Adverse reactions to certain foods that can cause digestive distress and other symptoms.
In mothers:
- Low milk supply: Insufficient breast milk production, which can affect breastfeeding.
- Oversupply: Excessive breast milk production that can lead to discomfort and other breastfeeding problems.
- Overactive milk ejection reflex: Forceful expulsion of milk during breastfeeding, which can be challenging for both mother and baby.
- Insufficient glandular tissue: Not enough milk-producing glandular tissues in the breasts, affecting milk supply.
- Postpartum depression: Emotional and psychological challenges that can affect a mother’s well-being and her ability to care for her baby.
- Recurrent plugged ducts: Frequent blockages in the milk ducts, which can lead to discomfort and infection.
- Mastitis and other imbalances: Infections or inflammation of the breast tissue, often painful and may require medical intervention.
Addressing gut health proactively can help mitigate these issues, highlighting the importance of gut health in overall maternal and infant health
Why take probiotics while breastfeeding?
While breastfeeding immensely benefits an infant's microbiome, the health of the mother's microbiome is equally critical.
Studies continue to demonstrate a correlation between the diversity of a mother’s microbiome and that of her baby's. High-quality probiotics might not go straight into your milk but can boost your health, indirectly helping your milk.
Colic relief
- Probiotic supplementation by mothers might help lessen the duration of crying in babies with colic, although the results are mixed, and more studies are required. Colic could be linked to gastrointestinal discomfort due to immature digestive systems.
C-Section births
- Probiotics may be advantageous for mothers who have undergone C-section deliveries. Antibiotics given during the procedure can disrupt the microbiomes of both the mother and baby. However, probiotics could support recovery and enhance overall health after a C-section
Mastitis treatment
- Breastfeeding mothers are susceptible to developing painful inflammatory breast conditions, such as mastitis or thrush. While mastitis is a bacterial infection, thrush is a yeast infection often associated with Candida, a common culprit in vaginal yeast infections. Probiotics have been explored as a potential defense against other forms of Candida, suggesting they may also help combat nipple thrush.
- To support vaginal health and overall feminine wellness, try incorporating The Good Down There specifically designed with a synergistic blend of Lactobacillus strains, cranberry extract, and D-Mannose, chosen for their potential to promote a healthy vaginal flora, combat urinary tract infections, and nurture overall feminine well-being. Studies indicate that probiotics might help manage and prevent mastitis, though additional research is necessary.
Potential eczema prevention
- Probiotics might also aid in the prevention and treatment of eczema. Some studies suggest that when mothers consume probiotics during breastfeeding, it could lower the likelihood of their children developing eczema in the first two years.
Preventing necrotizing enterocolitis
- Breastfeeding provides significant benefits to infants, notably decreasing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious inflammatory condition affecting the intestines. Additionally, breastmilk consumption is associated with a reduced incidence of other major health complications and improvements in neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants.
Selecting the right probiotic:
- Optimal gut health and nutrient absorption, along with a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and medical care are also vital components of postpartum recovery that are crucial during the postpartum period. The Good Bug probiotic offers a scientifically-backed solution with the clinically-studied Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain.
This potent probiotic strain has been extensively researched, with over 1,000 clinical studies and 300 trials supporting its efficacy in promoting a balanced gut microbiome, boosting immunity, and enhancing overall metabolic health.
By incorporating this probiotic into your postpartum routine, you can support your body's natural healing process, facilitate nutrient absorption, and promote overall well-being during this important recovery phase.
Breastfeeding, enhanced with the right probiotics, can provide profound health benefits, ensuring the best start for your baby while supporting your own health. Now that you're up to speed on why probiotics are a must for breastfeeding moms, let's look into how your little one directly benefits from your proactive health choices
Benefits of maternal probiotics intake for babies:
Breastfeeding strengthens your baby's immune system, providing protection against illnesses and allergies. Imagine giving your child a head start in life by boosting their health from the start!
According to research, breastfed infants have larger levels of these beneficial bacteria than formula-fed infants, which benefits them long after weaning.
Here are several key advantages of taking probiotics while breastfeeding: Treating mastitis:
- Studies have shown that Lactobacillus strains in probiotics can reduce the bacterial infection associated with mastitis while also reducing common symptoms such as breast soreness and stiffness.
- Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding place significant strain on the body, often leading to digestive problems, nutritional deficiencies, mood fluctuations, and other challenges for new mothers. Fortunately, probiotics can be a beneficial aid.
- Improved maternal health: Probiotics can help maintain a mother's immune system and metabolism, which are critical throughout the physically demanding period of breastfeeding.
- Improving digestion and immunological function: Probiotics are renowned for enhancing digestive function and regularity, and for restoring gut health. They also assist in breaking down food and extracting nutrients more effectively, which is crucial for ensuring that both you and your baby get the necessary nutrition. During lactation, your body needs extra help in producing nutritious breast milk. Probiotics restore beneficial bacteria and nutrients, promoting overall health and immunity.
- Probiotics have also been linked to improved mood via the gut-brain axis. Interestingly, studies have connected postpartum mood changes to changes in the gut flora. According to a recent study, probiotics may help maintain a healthy postpartum mood.
- Enhanced Infant Immunity: Probiotics included in breast milk can help boost the baby's immune system through maintaining a healthy gut environment.
- Specific probiotics may enhance the digestive functions in infants, thereby reducing occurrences of acid reflux. Probiotics can assist newborns in alleviating constipation and regulating their bowel movements.
- Protection against infant eczema through nursing: Eczema, an inflammatory skin condition common in babies, especially those prone to allergies or asthma, may be mitigated by maternal probiotic use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is due to the immune-enhancing properties of breast milk influenced by probiotics.
Possible side effects of probiotics during breastfeeding
While probiotics are usually safe and beneficial, they can sometimes lead to mild side effects, including bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort. These issues generally resolve within a few weeks; however, if they continue, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
Are probiotics safe during breastfeeding?
When you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before using a new probiotic. This is because many supplements aren't well-tested in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Nevertheless, probiotics are generally considered safe and well-tolerated. Experts conducting current studies suggest using them safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The WAO guideline panel recommends the use of probiotics for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and infants who are at high risk of developing allergies. After reviewing studies, they found strong evidence for eczema benefits, and possibly for other allergies too.
Research shows that while specific probiotic strains taken by mothers may not always be directly transferred through breast milk, they can still significantly influence the maternal gut microbiota. This, in turn, affects the composition of breast milk and ultimately the infant's microbiome.
These probiotics work by enhancing the maternal gut flora, which boosts digestive and immune health, and indirectly alters the microbial composition of breast milk. For enhanced immune support, consider incorporating First Defense from The Good Bug into your daily regimen.
It's designed to bolster resistance against pathogens and protect against gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
For optimal results, take it once a day, 30 minutes after a meal, allowing your body to pass beneficial probiotic strains to your baby selectively.
Note: It’s important to ensure this probiotic is right for you. Click here to ask for The Good Bug expert advice or consult with your doctor before consuming this product.
Dear Mom, as you celebrate Mother's Day, remember that every small decision you make can shape your baby's future.
The world of the maternal microbiome is ever-evolving, unveiling new insights into the profound connection between you and your child.
At The Good Bug, we're dedicated to empowering you to make informed choices about your gut health and your baby's development. So, beginning your probiotic journey is not just about enhancing your health; it's about forging a legacy of wellness for your baby.
Reference Links:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25628773/#:~:text=Conclusions%3A%20WAO%20recommendations%20about%20probiotic,to%20give%20them%20to%20infants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8067242/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26611780/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30404227/
https://kinfertility.com.au/blog/probiotics-and-breastfeeding
https://www.momjunction.com/articles/health-benefits-of-probiotics-during-breastfeeding_00117133/
