Attention: Midwives, Doulas, Childbirth Educators and Lactation Professionals
2025 UPDATE: Downloadable scientific references up-to-date for 2025
MICROBIOME FOUNDATION COURSE
"Informative and also enjoyable!"
(Fiona W. - Childbirth And Breastfeeding Educator)
✅ Understand the latest research on the infant microbiome
✅ Learn from 11 top University Professors
✅ Approved for 5 Hours CPD/CE
✅ Go-at-your-own-pace online course
✅ Easy-to-digest and also evidence-based
✅ Downloadable scientific references up-to-date for 2025
How Will You Benefit?
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✅ You'll Gain Expertise:
Gain insights from 11 top University Professors who are amongst the world's leading authorities in the fields of microbiome and lactation research.
✅ You'll Learn Cutting-Edge Knowledge:
Access the latest research findings and advancements in infant microbiome science.
✅ You'll Enhance Your Credibility:
Learn from reputable sources, enhancing your credibility as a childbirth educator, doula, midwife or lactation professional.
✅ You'll Upskill Your Evidence-Based Practices:
Acquire evidence-based strategies for supporting optimal microbiome health during childbirth and infancy.
✅ You'll Help Parent Empowerment:
Feel empowered to educate expectant parents with accurate, up-to-date information, empowering them to make informed decisions for their baby's health.
You will be learning from these
11 top University Professors:
MARTIN BLASER,
Professor of Medicine and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, and Henry Rutgers Chair of the Human Microbiome at Rutgers University
MARIA GLORIA
DOMINGUEZ-BELLO,
Henry Rutgers Professor of Microbiome and Health, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, and of Anthropology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RODNEY DIETERT,
Emeritus Professor of Immunotoxicology, Cornell University and author The Human Superorganism
ANITA KOZYRSKYJ,
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta
GREGOR REID,
Professor of Surgery, Microbiology & Immunology, University of Western Ontario, Director of the Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research, Lawson Health Research Institute
JACQUELYN TAYLOR,
Vernice D Ferguson Professor in Heath Equity, New York University
SUE CARTER,
Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute and Rudy Professor of Biology at Indiana University
ALEECA BELL,
Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago
LESLEY PAGE,
Visiting Professor of Midwifery, King’s College London
HANNAH DAHLEN,
Professor of Midwifery, Western Sydney University
PHILIP STEER,
Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics, Imperial College London
PLUS 2 Lactation Experts
LAUREL WILSON,
IBCLC, Author, International Breastfeeding Speaker
MAUREEN MINCHIN,
Author of Milk Matters: Infant Feeding and Immune Disorder
Why Do YOU Need To Know About The Infant Microbiome?
Cesarean sections, antibiotic use, and formula-feeding can all alter the infant's microbial landscape, laying the groundwork for potential future health challenges.
But by YOU fully understanding the science, YOU can help to change this narrative, guiding parents to nurture their baby's microbiome during pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, early infancy and beyond.
Right from the very beginning, YOU can make a difference to long-term health outcomes.
By taking this course, you'll be up to date with the latest research!
Continuing Education Information:
Approved for 5 Hours CPD/CE
ACM - 5 CPD HOURS - Endorsed by Australian College of Midwives (ACM)
NMC - 5 HOURS CPD for revalidation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK
MEAC - approved for 5 HOURS / 0.5 MIDWIFERY CEUs Program No
#M2324-20-1104DE.
NARM - These Midwifery CEUs are applicable for Certified Professional Midwives recertifying through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and can also be used for recertification and general career development by midwives and other healthcare providers.
ICEA - 5 CEUs (MEAC) accepted as 17 HOURS of continuing education (5 CONTACT HOURS) by ICEA
CAPPA - 5 CEUs (MEAC) accepted as 5 HOURS of continuing education (5 CONTACT HOURS) by CAPPA
LAMAZE International - 5 CEUs (MEAC) accepted as 5 HOURS of continuing education (5 CONTACT HOURS) by LAMAZE International
DONA International - 5 CEUs (MEAC) accepted as 5 HOURS of continuing education (5 CONTACT HOURS) by DONA International
KNOV - 5 HOURS: 5 uur in categorie A ‘bij- en nascholing’ in het Kwaliteitsregister Verloskundigen.
ID485459 Accreditation approved until 23-4-2026
Also accepted as 5 Hours CPD/CE by other organisations. Please check with your provider. Sorry, no CERPs are offered with this course.
What will YOU be learning?
MICROBIOME FOUNDATION COURSE
Self-Guided Online Course
Approved for 5 Hours CPD/CE
SESSION ONE: About the human microbiome
SESSION TWO: Pregnancy and the microbiome
SESSION THREE: Vaginal birth and the microbiome
SESSION FOUR: C-section and the microbiome
SESSION FIVE: Breastfeeding and the microbiom
MICROBIOME FOUNDATION COURSE
Course Curriculum (5 Hours Self-Guided)
MICROBIOME - FOUNDATION COURSE
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CONTENTS & INSTRUCTIONS
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Session 1. Introduction to the microbiome
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- 1. Session One - Objectives
- 2. VIDEO: Introduction to the science of childbirth (2:53)
- 3. Explanation of the human microbiome
- 4. VIDEO: What is the microbiome? (5:42)
- 5. Microbiome and human health
- 6. VIDEO: Connection between the microbiome and human health (5:51)
- 7. How humans are impacting the microbiome
- 8. VIDEO: Concerns for the future (4:34)
- 9. To safeguard human health
- 10. VIDEO: Potential importance of microbes during conception (1:56)
- 11. Session One - Test
- 12. Discussion Forum & Reflection On Learning.
Session 2. Microbiome and pregnancy
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- 1. Session Two - objectives
- 2. VIDEO: The microbiome and pregnancy (2:03)
- 3a. Maternal heritage
- 3b. Group B Strep
- 4. VIDEO: How a mother's microbiome changes during pregnancy (2:31)
- 5. How a mother's microbiome changes during pregnancy
- 6. VIDEO: Focus on potential prenatal exposures during pregnancy (6:05)
- 7. Fetus exposed to microbes during pregnancy
- 8. Session Two - Test
- 9. Discussion Forum & Reflection on Learning
Session 3. Microbiome and vaginal birth
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- 1. Session Three - Objectives
- 2. VIDEO: The microbiome and vaginal birth (4:01)
- 3. Main seeding event for vaginal birth
- 4. VIDEO: The microbiome and the developing immune system (5:18)
- 5. Microbiome and development of the infant immune system
- 6. VIDEO: The progression of microbes in pregnancy, birth & infancy (3:38)
- 7. One chance for immune training
- 8. Session Three - Test
- 9. Discussion Forum & Reflection On Learning.
Session 4. Microbiome and C-section
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- 1. Session Four - objectives
- 2. VIDEO: The microbiome and C-section (7:26)
- 3. Potential impact of C-section on infant microbiome
- 4. VIDEO: C-section and longer term health problems (3:19)
- 5. C-section and increased risk of non-communicable disease
- 6. VIDEO: Association or causation? (3:04)
- 7. Possible solutions for babies born by C-section?
- 8. VIDEO: C-section and 'swab-seeding' (7:12)
- 9. Session Four - Test
- 10. Discussion Forum & Reflection On Learning.
Session 5. Microbiome and breastfeeding
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- 1. Session Five - objectives
- 2. VIDEO: Benefits of skin-to-skin (5:21)
- 3. Breast milk as ideal first food
- 4. VIDEO: Breast milk as baby’s first food (2:33)
- 5. Components of breast milk
- 6. VIDEO: The microbiome and breast milk (4:41)
- 7. Human milk oligosaccharides and other bioactive components
- 8. VIDEO: Breast milk and the development of infant immune system (4:15)
- 9. The impact of formula feeding
- 10. VIDEO: The impact of formula feeding on infant health (2:22)
- 11. Sensitivity of this information for parents
- 12. VIDEO: Guilt and infant feeding (1:26)
- 13. Summing up and references
- 14. VIDEO: Breastfeeding provides more than breast milk (3:34)
- 15. Session Five - Test
- 16. Discussion Forum & Reflection On Learning
CERTIFICATE ASSESSMENT
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Evaluation Form, Certificate of Completion & Course Downloads
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Save an extra $100 today off our 12 Week Certification programme
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Who created this course?
Hello, I am Toni Harman
I am not a scientist. I am a parent and filmmaker who after a traumatic birth, went on a 10-year journey to discover the latest evidence-based research on birth and breastfeeding.
On this journey, myself and my partner Alex found out about the infant microbiome, and together, we made the film MICROBIRTH.
MICROBIRTH has won several science film festivals, and has been broadcast around the world. It's led to us authoring two books.
And it's led to us creating this online school - now with over 40,000 enrolled members.
We have recently held TWO international conferences with over 3,500 people joining!
Why did I create this course?
I created this course for maternity professionals as a deep-dive into the science of the infant microbiome - but all made easy to understand, and divided into short videos and learning "chunks" to make it really easy to digest!
Remember, I am not a scientist, so I made this course for non-scientists like me to understand this critical science that has such a profound impact on infant health!
This is for you if...
>>> You want to unlock the secrets of infant health with our comprehensive online course on the infant microbiome!
>>> You want to play a pivotal role in shaping the health and wellbeing of both mother and baby.
>>> You want to be equipped with the latest research and practical knowledge to optimise infant health from the very start.
>>> You want to discover how the microbiome influences immunity, digestion, and even neurological development in infants.
>>>You want to empower parents to make informed decisions that nurture their baby's microbiome for a lifetime of health.
This is NOT for you if...
>>> You are not interested in staying updated with the latest scientific research and evidence-based practices.
>>> You prefer not to incorporate the latest evidence-based knowledge into your practice.
>>> You are not open to learning about the complexities of the infant microbiome and its implications for health outcomes.
>>> You are not comfortable explaining scientific concepts to expectant parents.
>>>You are not passionate about advocating for the health and well-being of newborns and their families.
Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your expertise and elevate your practice.
Enroll today to help YOU better inform and empower parents!
What do people think of this course?
Ready To Join?
MICROBIOME FOUNDATION COURSE
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Who is this programme for?
Health professionals and educators including: antenatal teachers, childbirth educators, lactation educators, doctors, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, hypnobirth instructors, breastfeeding counsellors, health practitioners and other health professionals.
Parents are also welcome to take this course too!
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Q
How long do I have access?
Upon purchase, you have unlimited access to the course for 12 months.
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What are the 5 Hours CPD/CE?
ACM - 5 CPD HOURS - Endorsed by Australian College of Midwives (ACM)
NMC - 5 HOURS CPD for revalidation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK
MEAC - approved for 5 HOURS / 0.5 MIDWIFERY CEUs Program No
#M2324-20-1104DE.
NARM - These Midwifery CEUs are applicable for Certified Professional Midwives recertifying through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and can also be used for recertification and general career development by midwives and other healthcare providers.
ICEA - 5 CEUs (MEAC) accepted as 17 HOURS of continuing education (5 CONTACT HOURS) by ICEA
CAPPA - 5 CEUs (MEAC) accepted as 5 HOURS of continuing education (5 CONTACT HOURS) by CAPPA
LAMAZE International - 5 CEUs (MEAC) accepted as 5 HOURS of continuing education (5 CONTACT HOURS) by LAMAZE International
DONA International - 5 CEUs (MEAC) accepted as 5 HOURS of continuing education (5 CONTACT HOURS) by DONA International
KNOV - 5 HOURS: 5 uur in categorie A ‘bij- en nascholing’ in het Kwaliteitsregister Verloskundigen.
ID485459 Accreditation approved until 23-4-2026
Also accepted as 5 Hours CPD/CE by other organisations. Please check with your provider.