Page 4 - The First 60 Days Magazine - June

Science Says...

The Importance of the Microbiome in Infant Health

By Kelly Rain Collin

Babies' neurological development, gastrointestinal functioning, and immune systems are significantly
impacted by their microbiome - the symbiotic microorganisms (bacteria, virus, fungi, and other
organisms) that live on and within all humans. When babies are born, they are typically exposed to their
mother's vaginal and perianal microbes during the vaginal birthing process. This process is naturally
designed to allow exposure to the mother's microbiome which provides for seeding of the infant's
microbiome, setting babies up with the microbes needed to support healthy development.

Babies born via cesarean section are seeded with different microbes, more aligned with the mother's
skin and oral microbiomes. Infants exposed to antibiotics (whether directly or via their mother while
pregnant or breastfeeding) also have alterations to their gut microbiomes that can contribute to later
health challenges. This disruption of the microbiome (dysbiosis) can lead to increased likelihood of
asthma, allergies, obesity, and neurological disorders. Probiotics (feeding microbes directly to humans)
and prebiotics (which feed the microbes within us) are able to provide health benefits that reduce the
symptoms of some of these health disparities.

Breastfeeding also impacts the development of the infant's microbiome in positive ways. Human milk
feeds these microbes and helps to promote a healthy balance of beneficial microbes within the infant.
"Breastfeeding can be considered among the most crucial factors in the normal development of infant
microbiota." (p.4) As babies are introduced to a variety of foods, their microbiome shifts. How it
continues to develop is greatly influenced by the types and variety of foods the infant eats.

The first 1000 days of an infant’s life outside the womb constitute a crucial period for the development
of the microbiome which has the potential to impact the child’s health throughout their lifetime. While
there are experiences during the birthing process and throughout early childhood that cause dysbiosis
and are sometimes unavoidable, understanding the role of the microbiome in healthy development

allows families and practitioners the opportunity to seek out solutions that support the health of the
child’s microbiome, thereby reducing the likelihood of many long-term health challenges.
Pantazi, A. C., Balasa, A. L., Mihai, C. M., Chisnoiu, T., Lupu, V. V., Kassim, M. A. K., Mihai, L., Frecus, C. E., Chirila, S. I., Lupu, A.,
Andrusca, A., Ionescu, C., Cuzic, V., & Cambrea, S. C. (2023). Development of Gut Microbiota in the First 1000 Days after Birth
and Potential Interventions. Nutrients, 15(16), 3647. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163647

Kelly Rain Collin, Ed.M. is founder and director of Healthy Minds Consulting, Inc., and has
been providing educational advocacy support to children and families for over 20 years,
including juvenile courts, psychiatric clinics serving children with developmental
disabilities, and mental health clinics. She is also a The First 60 Days Movement Member.

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