The Newborn Microbiome Online Course(s) & Continuing Education

Recently, much scientific inquiry has turned to the new frontier of the “microbiome", the many microscopic beings living commensally or symbiotically in and upon the human body. Breast milk’s contribution to the development and sustenance of healthy gut bacteria is immense, in that it not only provides bacteria for the initial seeding, but also contains an ideal nutrient base designed to promote beneficial flora while simultaneously discouraging pathogens. This presentation will explore the relevant theories and understanding of these processes.
We will delve into the long-term health outcomes associated with the microbiome, including obesity, diabetes, brown-to-white fat ratio, gastrointestinal concerns, and allergies. This presentation will also explore the impact of breast milk storage and pasteurization techniques on its microbiologic activity. Additionally, we will look at other aspects of the microbiome as they relate to skin-to-skin contact, vaginal birth and breastfeeding.
Finally, we will describe bacterial roles in infant neurological development, allergies, digestion, immunity, and future obesity. Healthcare practitioners need to be aware of the benefits of microbial diversity in order to effectively counsel new parents, especially those with infants at risk for immunological or digestive concerns.

This session will focus on common concerns regarding infant digestive health and useful support strategies that care providers can incorporate into their work with families. We will discuss what's normal and what's not in regard to stooling, spit up/reflux, colic/fussiness, food sensitivities, and more. Many parents are coping with babies that are uncomfortable and unhappy due to digestive health concerns. Dealing with a fussy, uncomfortable baby is emotionally and physically draining. Having a basic understanding of infant gut health and care strategies can be useful tools for any type of practitioner working with infants.

The billions of unicellular organisms which form a symbiotic relationship with our bodies provide essential functions which regulate, modulate, and maintain homeostasis. The microbiome has an essential role in prompting a proper immune response, maintaining adequate digestion and metabolic function, managing inflammatory status, supporting mental health, and many more functions which are required for good health. Dysbiotic conditions during the perinatal period are common and impact the infant feeding relationship. In this presentation, participants will learn about the functions of the microbiome as it relates to lactation and infant health as well as the consequences of dysbiosis and its impact on lactation/infant feeding.

Additionally, participants will learn how to address dysbiotic conditions within their profession’s scope. This presentation provides clinically applicable information and recommendations that participants can apply when providing lactation education and developing care plans.

Did you know that a mother who breastfeeds her child is more likely to “match” as an organ donor than a mother who does not breastfeed her child? How does that happen? The answer may lie in the Maternal-Newborn Microbiome, AKA “The Oro-boobular” axis. The scientific world is exploding with excitement over the discovery of the microbiome. While it appears clear that a suckling infant’s intestinal microbiome communicates with the mother’s lactocyte and perhaps beyond, little is known about the effects of this communication in practical terms. This presentation will review what is known and attempt to explain what it means, both now and in the future.

Research continually uncovers the complex relationship between infant feeding and development. It’s driven by our fascination and desire to understand early development, but it also has real-world implications for the decisions parents make about how to feed their babies. New parents and even perinatal professionals are often confused about infant feeding guidelines, finding information to be conflicting, overwhelming, and ever-changing. We’ll start with an overview of how an infant’s gastrointestinal tract develops and what we know about how human milk consumption supports optimal development. Then we’ll delve into the latest research on intestinal permeability, early formula supplementation, and timing of introduction of solid foods to prevent allergies. Feeding is one of the primary ways that we care for and show babies that we love them, and by providing up-to-date and accurate information, perinatal professionals can help families feel calm and confident about their feeding choices.