Brilliant that breastfeeding rates in Scotland are increasing. But in my view, 53% of 2 week old babies being breastfed is NOT ENOUGH. - Almost two thirds (65%) of babies born in Scotland in 2018/19 were breastfed for at least some time after their birth. - More than half (53%) of babies...

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Wow - just reading the UK's Chief Medical Offer's special into childhood obesity - makes for very sobering reading. The causes of obesity are complex, but listed amongst the biological determinants are antibiotics affecting the infant microbiome during childhood (Annex...

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There are lots of very good reasons to breastfeed, including for the optimal development of the infant immune system (a topic explored in detail in our Infant Microbiome and Epigenetics course): https://microbirth.teachable.com/p/microbirthonlin... But here's another very good reason. To help...

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One of the most debated subjects concerning the infant microbiome is the extent to which the infant is exposed to bacteria BEFORE birth. (Image credit: 1.By Bookmiller, Mae M. - Textbook of obstetrics and obstetric nursing [by] Mae M. Bookmiller [and] George Loveridge Bowen; with a...

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Important new research for those trying to conceive.... The vaginal microbiome profile can reliably predict odds of getting pregnant - this mean the vaginal microbiome could be used clinically to make decisions about IVF treatment. Details of the study: The vaginal microbiome of 303...

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Wondering which microbiome-friendly foods to eat? New research suggests specific foods could provide protection for the gut as they help micro-organisms with anti-inflammatory properties to thive. On the list of foods that were good for the gut.... Diets rich in bread, legumes, fish and...

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Another important piece of the puzzle on links between the vaginal microbiome and preterm birth. New research shows women who had a preterm birth (before 37 weeks' duration) had a higher diversity of bacteria in their vaginal microbiome than women who gave birth at term. During ...

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This week new UK research shows that planned C-section can be "the safest option" for women who have had a previous C-section. But does this research present a true picture of risk? This week's research looks at short term risks for mother and baby and finds that there is a small but increased...

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This article is about koalas, but stay with me, it directly connects with the infant microbiome.... Just like in humans, koala microbiomes vary by population and contain different species of bacteria with diet being an important factor - "You are what you eat, it seems, even if you’re...

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Just published: the largest ever study on neonatal microbiomes. The study published in Nature (Sept 18th, 2019) found babies born by C-section have an altered gut microbiome when compared to babies born vaginally. IMAGE CREDIT By Drizzypal - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,...

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