Recently, there has been an explosion of research focused on the role of human gut microbiota and the effects it has on our overall health. In fact, we now know that poor microbial diversity in the early stages of life is a key hidden driver in the progression of many chronic diseases later in life. However, it was once believed that babies were born sterile, but in reality this is not the case and the microbiome of the mother has the power to dictate the microbiome diversity of the baby.

When probiotics are ingested pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy they have been shown to reduce inflammation and the risk of developing gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia, whilst correcting microbial imbalance within the gut and supporting your immune system. Once pregnant beneficial probiotics have been discovered within the amniotic fluid and are found to improve the immune physiology of the placenta creating a healthier environment for the baby to grow. These lactobacillus organisms have been found to lower serious infection in pre-term babies and reduce the risk of the baby developing atopic dermatitis, atopic sensitisation and gastro intestinal symptoms later in life. In fact, when probiotic supplements are ingested during pregnancy and breastfeeding the same beneficial organisms can be found in the mother’s breast milk and the baby’s faeces for up to 24 months of age. Another reason to supplement with probiotics whilst breast feeding is the evidence showing the relation between probiotic ingestion and a reduction in the severity and development of mastitis, as mastitis is seen to be more prevalent in mothers who are in a state of microbial imbalance.  

Many lifestyle factors can affect the balance of our good and bad bacteria such as diet, stress, certain medications and environmental factors. However, the good news is that supplementing with PONO probiotics will not only optimise your fertility but also support your health and the health of the baby whilst pregnant and breastfeeding.

• Diet, stress, certain medication and environmental factors affect the balance of our good and bad bacteria
• Microbiome of mother has power to dictate microbiome diversity of the baby
• Babies are not born sterile
• Probiotics reduce inflammation, risk of developing gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia
• Probiotics correct underlying microbial imbalance and support the immune system
• Lactobacillus organisms have been discovered within amniotic fluid and are found to improve the immune physiology of the placenta
• There is strong correlations between probiotics supplemented during pregnancy and reduced risk of the infant developing atopic dermatitis, atopic sensitisation and gastro intestinal symptoms later in life.
• Beneficial organisms from probiotic supplementation have been found in mother’s breast milk and the infant’s faeces for up to 24 months of age
• Mastitis is believed to be cause by microbial imbalance and supplementing with probiotics can reduce the risk of development and severity of mastitis.

 

• If breastfeeding either express a small amount of breastmilk and mix it with the correct dosage of PONO Baby Probiotics and syringe it into the mouth
• Prior to starting a breastfeed hand express a small amount of milk around the nipple and rub PONO Baby Probiotics onto the nipple prior to the baby latching
• If baby is taking a bottle, either breastmilk or formula, mix the correct dosage of PONO Baby Probiotics in with the liquid
• If your baby is on solids you can also add the correct dosage of PONO Baby Probiotics in with cooled or room temperature food.

 

Author:

PONO ambassador and health professional Conor Dwyer

 

 

Conor is a practicing clinical nutritionist and studied a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition). She is registered with the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) which ensures she continually keeps up to date on her skills as well as her scientific and natural therapy knowledge via ongoing professional education. 

Conor believes that taking a holistic approach with clients and education is the key to good health and long term positive changes. She has a special interest in gut health, women's health and hormones, functional nutrition and mental health. With this, Conor is an evidence based practitioner with the focus of her work based on nourishing food and a balanced well-being to help create a healthier bod. The knowledge and support that Conor provides aims to empower you to reach your own version of optimal health and well-being.

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