We're Empowering Mothers-to-be!
At MothersBabies we’re passionate about communicating compelling, evidence-based research into the critical role that the microbiome plays in baby-making.
From conception to pregnancy, birth and the first couple of years (the first ‘1,000 days’), the trillions of bacteria, viruses, yeasts and fungi to which your baby is exposed, in and outside the womb, can contribute to health or illness.
Difficulty conceiving, miscarriage, premature birth, childhood ailments such as eczema and allergy can all be related to dysbiosis (typified by an imbalance in the microbial community). In fact, microbes have an important role in the programming and education of, for example, your baby’s immune system and metabolism. And while it’s hard to imagine, their journey into adulthood may also encounter such issues as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease as a consequence of their early life microbial exposure and programming. Mothers too may face complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
We see the first 1,000 days as a wonderful window of opportunity to give your baby the best start in life. By distilling mother-baby microbiome research that uncovers the pre-conditions to good health, we hope to inspire you to take action where you can, in consultation with your health practitioner. And where matters are out of your hands we share research with promising modes of address.
The emerging science is evolving at a rapid rate and we look forward to you dropping by for regular updates. Here’s to your health, your baby’s and that of future generations.
Read the articles
Findings from the American Gut Project
Findings from the American Gut Project Written by Dr Fathalla Ali, PhD Paediatrics 06/12/2021 The first major data of the human microbiome was generated from the American Gut project (AGP). The project included microbial data from
The persistent gut microbiota in infancy and it’s origin
The Persistent Gut Microbiota in Infancy and it’s Origin Scientifically reviewed by Dr Fathalla Ali, PhD (Paediatrics) 29/11/2021 During and after birth, the gut of a newborn baby is rapidly colonized with microbiota. This early gut
Introducing solids, gut health and immunity
Introducing solids, Gut health and Immunity Scientifically reviewed by Dr Fathalla Ali, PhD (Paediatrics) 22/11/2021 Your baby’s immune system development in the first three years of life is strongly linked to your baby’s gut health and
The early life determinants for Gut Dysbiosis
The early life determinants for Gut Dysbiosis Written by Dr Fathalla Ali, PhD (Paedatrics) 22/11/2021 The gastrointestinal tract is the home for the most diverse and populated bacterial community known as microbiota. Ideally, the gut microbiota
Podcast: A Fertility Diet with Aviva Romm, MD
Listen to this informative podcast about the role that diet has in fertility.
The way our babies are born affects their gut microbiome composition, their immune system development and their resistance to medicines, such as antibiotics, used to treat infections and diseases
Caesareans can be a life saving necessity in the birth of a baby. Current scientific research into the development of a baby’s gut microbiome suggests that the way a baby is born, i.e. vaginally or by caesarean, can have a significant effect on the early development of the baby’s gut microbiome.
The greatest gift you can give your baby is a healthy immune system to prevent and fight disease
The MothersBabies Study
An exciting research initiative
At MothersBabies, we commission and fund research and studies into the exciting new frontier of health and medicine – the gut microbiome.
The MothersBabies Study will analyse the microbiomes of 2,000 women prior to pregnancy, at each trimester of pregnancy, at time of delivery and for at least 1 year following birth. It will provide unique knowledge about each pregnancy and how the microbiome status impacts on various outcomes, e.g. normal, pre-eclampsia, diabetes, etc.
Our goal
Watch our videos
Important information about gut health and microbiome science from our experts, and stories of hope from our friends.
An Introduction to Mothers Babies
MothersBabies empowers mothers-to-be to transform their health and the health of their child through education and knowledge solutions that improve gut health.
2,000 Mums and 2,000 Babies
2,000 mothers and their babies providing poo samples that will help Science understand the microbiome and how to improve the health of mothers and their babies! As Professor Emad El-Omar says, “We owe it to humanity to do this study.”
Let’s Talk About the ‘P’ Word.
There are trillions of bugs (helpful microbes like good bacteria) inside us that convert what we eat. Your poo provides an insight into what is happening inside you and provides clues on how to improve your health. It’s called your microbiome. You’re going to be hearing that word a lot from now on because gut health will be one of the most important issues facing us this century.
Find a Practitioner
Which health expert is the right one for me? Finding the right gut health specialists to support you can be a bit of a trek if you don’t know where to start.
While we always will encourage you to do your research (which is what is exactly what brought you MothersBabies), we also invite you to contact any of the brilliant practitioners and experts we have listed here. We are blessed to be able to call these experts in their field part of the MothersBabies mission to empower your pregnancy adventure, and are pleased to introduce them to you:
Expert Insights
Our practitioner partners share their experiences and insights through a collection of videos, e-books and guides to help your empower yourself with knowledge.
Meet our practitioner partners
We’d love to introduce you to some of the outstanding people, experts in their respective fields, who we are proud and fortunate to have as part of the MothersBabies mission.
Practitioner stories
Our experts share with us their stories, both professionally and personally, that have led them to become champions of gut health and how it can radically change the health outcomes for mothers and their babies.
Our Mothers' Stories
If you are a mother who has ever had a sick child, you know it takes a village to get everyone through.
These wonderful women share their stories and inspire us with their courage, resolve and drive to find answers that radically improve their health during pregnancy, at birth and post pregnancy for them and their babies.
Through empowering themselves with knowledge that is emerging from gut-health science research these are gutsy women making gutsy babies.
Findings from the American Gut Project
Findings from the American Gut Project Written by Dr Fathalla Ali, PhD Paediatrics 06/12/2021 The first major data of the human microbiome was generated from
Introducing solids, gut health and immunity
Introducing solids, Gut health and Immunity Scientifically reviewed by Dr Fathalla Ali, PhD (Paediatrics) 22/11/2021 Your baby’s immune system development in the first three years
We are what we eat – what is the best diet for gut microbiome health and the function of our immune system?
In the last few decades diets have come in and out of fashion and different people propose different diets for different perceived real or unclear health benefits. But what does the science say?
Diet and Microbiota
The human gastrointestinal tract is the home for trillions of bacteria that are continuously shaped by different factors and amongst these factors is the particular dietary habit followed.
Important Information about Your Pregnancy and Coronavirus / COVID-19
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
MRC Microbiome Masterclass 2019
This class will be held on September 4th 2019, and will feature a panel of world-renowned microbiome researchers, discussing gut health & how the millennial lifestyle is impacting on pregnancy and child development.
5 Baby Bees
Bee Ready for Baby
Bringing a new life into the world is an awesome and exciting responsibility. To support your health goals for you and your baby, here are five common sense tips on what to think about before getting pregnant.
It's important to create a safe, loving, comfortable and abundant life for you and your baby.
BabyBee Number One
Be in charge of your contraception
It’s your body, your life and your pregnancy. You choose the right time to fall pregnant. Visit Family Planning NSW and download ‘Contraception options’ at www.fpnsw.org.au
Download this great fact sheet:
Other useful information from womenshealth.org can be accessed here.
BabyBee Number Two
Be financially literate and financially responsible
Pregnancy, babies and children cost money. There are lots of interesting links and reports on this site:
www.wire.org.au/category/topics/money
There are 5 tips on this site:
www.bhg.com.au/finance-tips-for-women
There is useful information on this site:
BabyBee Number Three
Be aware of your fertility
Fertility cannot be taken for granted. You can get your fertility tested, have your fertility preserved and plan for your baby.
Visit this site for information on preparing: yourfertility.org.au
This is a very helpful site with a link to an app called “OvaGraph – Ovulation and Fertility Tracker”: tcoyf.com (Taking Charge of Your Fertility).
Listen to Professor Bill Ledger talking about fertility.
Fertility testing is available. The AMH Fertility test costs $80 and is not covered by medicare.
Here is some feedback on the AMH test from Mamamia (from 2011):
BabyBee Number Four
Be aware of your genetics
And be aware also of your recessive genes by taking a DNA test. Find out how
The approximate cost of a genetic test is $385-$400 and ir is not covered by medicare or private health insurance. visit genetics.edu.au for more
BabyBee Number Five
Be optimally healthy
The greatest gift you can give your baby is a healthy immune system to prevent and fight disease. Your baby’s immune system comes from you, so be as healthy as you can be.
- Before pregnancy, take recommended supplements and folic acid, and optimise your gut health to prevent disease before it arises.
- You can prevent disease in your baby for life! You cannot change your genes, but you can change your gut health.
- There are tests available to assess your gut health and actions you can take to optimise your, and your baby’s, immunity to disease.
Visit: raisingchildren.net.au/pregnancy and womesnhealth.org for more information.
Testing with Microba costs $349 and is not covered by medicare or private health insurance.
