Breastfeeding, the Microbiome, and Infant Health: A Deep Dive with Laurel Wilson

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Laurel Wilson, an internationally recognized speaker, author, and perinatal specialist, about the critical role of the microbiome, epigenome, and human milk in shaping infant health. They explore how breastfeeding influences the baby's gut microbiome, the long-term effects of infant feeding choices, new research about maternal health and infant gut development, and what lactation professionals need to know about emerging science in this field.Laurel’s Journey into the Perinatal FieldLaurel shares her three-decade journey:Inspired by her own challenging birth and breastfeeding experiencesEarly work as a doula, childbirth educator, and lactation educatorExecutive Director of Lactation Programs for CAPPANow focused on translating research into education for lactation professionalsUnderstanding the Epigenome and MicrobiomeLaurel explains:The epigenome controls gene expression based on environmental signalsThe microbiome—bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea—communicates with the epigenomeBreastfeeding plays a key role in shaping the infant's lifelong microbiome and gene expressionHow Breastfeeding Establishes the Infant MicrobiomeHuman milk provides:Beneficial microbes critical for gut, immune, and brain developmentHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that nourish good bacteriaLong-term health benefits, including allergy protection and improved metabolic healthUnique endocrine functions, with microbes even influencing hormone signalingChallenges with Infant Formula and the MicrobiomeLaurel and Margaret discuss:Powdered infant formula can introduce pathogenic bacteria into the gutEven sterile liquid formula lacks critical human-specific microbes and HMOsOnce pathogenic bacteria colonize, the gut's development path is alteredEfforts to add HMOs to formula are limited compared to the complexity of human milkEmerging Research on Microbiome and Long-Term HealthLaurel highlights:Research linking early feeding to risks of allergies, diabetes, and metabolic diseasesChild Cohort studies investigating long-term effects of breastfeeding and formula feedingThe role of birth mode (vaginal vs. cesarean) in microbiome developmentNew interventions like oral fecal transplants for C-section born infantsThe Maternal Microbiome Matters, TooImportant insights:Maternal gut health may influence the infant’s microbiome and allergy riskProbiotic supplements alone are not a guaranteed solutionFocus on overall gut healing, diverse diet, and minimizing processed foodsDiet during the third trimester has a significant influence on milk compositionAddressing Fear and Supporting All Feeding ChoicesLaurel emphasizes:While diet matters, any amount of human milk provides vital health benefitsFear-mongering around diet and milk quality can discourage breastfeedingFamilies deserve honest, empowering education—not guilt or fearWhat’s Next in Microbiome ResearchLaurel shares emerging findings:The importance of B. infantis, a critical bacteria largely lost in modern populationsAntibiotics, C-sections, and modern hygiene practices have reduced its presenceResearchers at UC Davis and beyond are studying ways to restore itAdvice for Aspiring IBCLCsLaurel offers valuable tips:Network with practicing IBCLCs

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