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Pregnancy, birth, and beyond, are all topics that can really raise the heat…Almost without fail, if we write something about breastmilk feeding the good gut bacteria, or c-section babies having a different gut microbiome to vaginally born babies, we will receive a complaint about the fact that we’re ‘shaming’ those who feed with formula or have a c-section…This is never our intention…

We get it. These are deeply personal topics and everyone wants to do the best they can. MothersBabies will never be about creating a feeling of ‘not-enough’ because we know that life is complex…that decisions made surrounding pregnancy, birth, and beyond do NOT exist in a vacuum…and that there a thousand influences guiding you towards your choices.

What we also know is science…

We are passionate about sharing the cold, hard facts that makes science so powerful to add in to your decision-making process…
 

Let’s give real life example of how this approach can play out in two different, but still very empowered ways…

EXAMPLE A – CHAR
Char is pregnant with her 2nd child. Her first labour was long and intense, and she remembers feeling scared during it. She listens to a discussion with well-respected midwife, Professor Hannah Dahlen, in the MothersBabies online course that presents the fact a baby born vaginally will have different gut microbes, and immune system development, to a C-section baby, potentially increasing the risk of asthma, eczema, and allergies. This is important information to Char as she has allergies in her family and wants to do everything to lower the chances of her baby having food allergies. Char decides she’d like to aim for a natural birth again if possible, and discusses her fears with her GP, midwife and obstetrician, who all offer her supportive material and reassurance to build her confidence and understanding of birth.
This was the right decision for Char.


EXAMPLE B – AUDREY
Audrey is also pregnant with her 2nd child. She had an extremely rough 1st labour, with a high level of intervention, and a 3rd degree tear. She is absolutely dreading going through the labour again and has been feeling really anxious as the birth gets closer. Audrey reads the MothersBabies modules on birth mode and baby gut health and understands that a C-section baby will have a different microbiome and elevated risk of allergies, but she also learns that high stress has a massive impact on the microbiome. After discussing her concerns with her GP and obstetrician, Audrey settles on a planned C-section. Because she has learnt all about the importance of the microbiome from MothersBabies, she will make extra efforts to support her bub’s gut microbiome in other ways…by focusing on breastfeeding, not over-sterilising their environment, and introducing a variety of healthy plant foods when the time is right.
This was the right decision for Audrey.
 

You cannot dispute the scientific evidence that says that the microbiome will be influenced differently by vaginal births compared to c sections, or breastfeeding to formula feeding… These are facts.

But you can use this information, coupled with your unique circumstances, to optimise your choices, minimise any potential negative health influences for you or your baby, and feel empowered, educated, and motivated along the way.