The Infant Microbiome Made Simple
mi·cro·bi·ome
noun
the combined genetic material of the microorganisms in a particular environment
The human microbiome, first off, what? The word microbiome is intimidating in itself, not to mention that the word is meant to be fully comprehended. The ideology behind such a broad term is that we have bacteria in our body, and some of that bacteria is consumed at our birth. But how exactly do we consume this bacteria? Is there a difference between vaginal birth and cesarian birth microbiomes? There are so many questions about the microbiome, and admittedly some that still go unanswered, but it's not due to a lack of trying.
Toni Harman, an award-winning documentary film maker has dedicated the majority of her career to discovering and discussing the human microbiome. Amongst her notable accomplishments is her documentary MICROBIRTH, and Microbirth The Book. By curating what she did not understand, Harman brought us the gift of simplicity. And now, her simplicity has transitioned into Microbiome Courses. I used to think in order to understand what we are and who we are on a biological level, I needed to be a biological researcher, but no, I just needed Toni Harman and her FREE Infant Microbiome Mini-Course.
So, let's break this down: if the microbiome is made up of microorganisms which are various bacteria, fungi, and viruses and we - as humans - consume these various elements during birth, which in turn develops our microbiome, the questions of how arises. In order for me to give you the full story, we need to discuss Vaginal Seeding, but we will get back to that. During the vaginal birth process, the uterus contracts moving the child into the vaginal canal and eventually into the world. While this process is taking place, the child ingests the bacteria etc. from the parents vaginal canal through their mouth, nose and skin, thus helping to create the infant microbiome. Now, I know what you're thinking, "If the bacteria etc. that we need to create our microbiome is consumed by the child through the vaginal canal during birth, how does the cesarean child consume this bacteria to develop their microbiome?" This is an answer best explained by going back to Vaginal Seeding.
Vaginal Seeding, also referred to as microbirthing, is the - highly controversial - act of applying the birth givers vaginal fluids to the child's mouth, nose, and skin. By completing this act after birth, the cesarian child now has bacteria etc. from the birth giver that helps develop their microbiome. But, why? If vaginal seeding is so controversial, how come it is done? Simple, parents will do anything in their power to ensure that the child they just grew in a safe space for nine months, is healthy. Unfortunately, cesarean birthed babies are more susceptible to developing health problems later in life. Hence vaginal seeding, a way to help develop the infant microbiome and build the child's immunity making them less susceptible to various health conditions.
Obviously, the human microbiome is much more complex than the above explanation. For a deeper view, I strongly recommend taking Harman's mini-course and if you love it as I did, sign up for the full version or the various other microbiome courses she offers. As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor, I am thrilled to be actively enrolled in the full version course, as the microbiome is a vital part of understanding breastmilk and how it helps build the child's immune system.
By: Emma McCracken, CBC