Birth and the Microbiome with Toni Harman

Have you thought about how the way you give birth impacts the good bacteria you provide to start off your baby's immune system? Have you heard about the microbiome and why it is so important? My guest today has important information for you to consider about Birth and the Microbiome.

Toni Harman is a filmmaker, author, course creator, and champion of the microbiome. Toni has produced and directed a number of internationally distributed documentary films, including:

MICROBIRTH - about the origins of the human microbiome

FREEDOM FOR BIRTH - about the struggle for women's rights in childbirth DOULA! - about the work of birth and postnatal doulas.

Toni's extensive research for MICROBIRTH led to her co-authoring the books THE MICROBIRTH EFFECT and YOUR BABY's MICROBIOME.

In this episode:

• Explore the impact of birth on a baby's microbiome and immune system with guest Toni Harman
• Learn about the importance of doulas, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding initiation
• Discover the vital role of the microbiome in human health, particularly during birth
• Gain valuable tips on restoring and supporting gut health

Key Takeaways:

• Birth impacts a baby's microbiome and immune system, with vaginal birth providing optimal exposure to maternal microbes
• Doulas play a crucial role in supporting skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding initiation
• Embracing the messiness of birth is key for optimal microbiome seeding and feeding
• Strategies to restore and support gut health include skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, a diverse diet, and engaging with nature

Tweetable Quotes:

"I've been at birth, I've filmed birth, and it is just messy. And that is brilliant because that is the baby's exposure to gut microbes." - Toni Harman

Connect with Toni:

Website: https://microbirth.com/

Toni is also hosting a 2-day international conference on 29/30 April.

Special promotional code for our podcast listeners: Half-price tickets on this link:

https://bit.ly/microbirth50PERCENT

Connect with Debra!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debra.pascalibonaro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471/

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to have fulfilling and enjoyable births.

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world!

Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood.

Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life.