The Benefits Of Fermented Foods For Babies and Mothers
Aug 17, 2023
Consuming probiotic-rich foods at any stage of life can be beneficial, but in particular, for a pregnant woman, a lactating mother and a baby starting solids, the benefits are well documented.
Pregnancy
In pregnancy, studies show that if a woman consumes probiotics, it reduces the baby's risk of eczema.
During a vaginal birth, the infant's contact with the mother's flora in the birth canal is the beginning of their own microbiome colonisation. This shows us the importance of a woman's own microbiome in pregnancy as it influences the birth canal and breastfeeding bacteria.
Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding, the maternal microbiome serves as the source for the infant microbiome.
Studies show that consuming probiotics while breastfeeding can more than double the levels of immunoprotective compounds in a mother's milk.
The beneficial microbes that a baby receives through breastfeeding also help to improve digestion, lower the risk of allergies, asthma, thrush and eczema.
Baby Starting Solids
For babies when starting solid foods, the diversity of beneficial bacteria in their digestive tract can greatly impact the strength of their digestion.
Plus it’s cool to know that giving fermented foods to children from an early age can actually lessen their desire to over-consume sweet foods.
My favourite probiotic foods are all made using the Kultured Wellness range, you can check their full range out here and use the code ‘JESS20’ for a lil discount.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19220322/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11150002/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11799376/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5706746/
