Breastfeeding Influences Infant Microbiome More Than C-section Antibiotics

20 June 2025 by Qiara Probiotics

Prophylactic Antibiotics for C-section Birth Women that have a C-section are normally given prophylactic antibiotics before the surgery to reduce the risk of infection after the procedure. Whilst antibiotics are given to reduce this risk, they may impact both the mother’s and baby’s microbiome. Breastfeeding Reduces the Effects of C-section Antibiotics A research study from t ...
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14 Day Gut Health Cleanse

04 April 2025 by Qiara Probiotics

Give Your Gut the Cleanse it Needs! Our diet and lifestyle are key to achieving optimal digestive system health. Therefore, following some simple diet and lifestyle practices can help support your gut health each day! To get you started on your gut health journey, join our community in challenging themselves to do our 14 Day Gut Cleanse! 14 Day Gut Cleanse Complete the below each da ...
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Qiara’s Q & A with Australia’s First Uterus Transplant Recipient – Kirsty Bryant!

20 November 2024 by Qiara Probiotics

We were lucky to have the opportunity to speak to Kirsty Bryant, Australia’s first uterus transplant recipient. We got to ask about her birth, post-partum journey so far and her tips and advice for new mums! Kristy has been interviewed by the team at 9 news, 7 news, ABC and has been on 60 minutes. Read the full story here . With your Christmas baby about to turn 1, what would you like t ...
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Top 3 Ways to Restore the Microbiome after Antibiotics

15 November 2024 by Qiara Probiotics

The widespread use of antibiotics is proving to have major impacts on our microbiome and overall health. While antibiotics can be lifesaving, the ‘’blanket use’’ commonly seen in mainstream medicine is contributing to the worldwide epidemic of antibiotic resistance. Previously, it was believed to be simply a matter of ‘re-seeding’ the gut with probiotics after a course of antibiotics to rectify ...
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Daily skin-to-skin contact influences microbiome development in babies

22 July 2024 by Qiara Probiotics

We already know as mother’s how special skin-to-skin contact is with our beautiful baby, but what recent research has found is super interesting… As a mum, you’d love to know that the gut microbiome plays an important role in supporting your little one’s health and development. The microbiome can even influence your baby’s brain and immune system development! Starting from birth, you are you ...
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What Mums Need to Know About the New Mastitis Protocol 2022

28 June 2024 by Qiara Probiotics

Mastitis can be a real challenge for many breastfeeding mums – we are here to help support and guide you through it. Mastitis is a common inflammatory condition that can occur during lactation and up to 30% of lactating mothers (Australia) will experience painful mastitis. Mastitis is now considered a SPECTRUM of conditions resulting from narrowing of milk ducts, swelling and inflammation. ...
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Babies Receive Important Bacteria From Their Mothers – New Research!

21 May 2024 by Qiara Probiotics

Did you know that your baby receives important bacteria from you during birth and immediately afterwards? How amazing! This is regardless of whether they were born via natural delivery or C-section too. Researchers have found that mothers are able to transfer bacteria to their babies in different ways such as through the vaginal canal during birth in a natural delivery and through breastmilk ...
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New Microbiome insights from 0-3 years

20 May 2024

From the time they are born, babies are given a "starter pack" of bacteria from their mum that is vital for their future health. Nearly 60 percent of a baby's microbiome in their first 30 days of life is inherited from their mum, according to a new study of 120 Dutch mothers and their babies. This seeding of essential communities of microbes occurs in babies that are vaginally born as well a ...
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Breastfeeding after a caesarean: Setting yourself up for success

20 May 2024 by Kate Brown

Embarking on your breastfeeding journey immediately after a caesarean section (C-section) can be daunting, but with the right information and support, you can help set yourself up for success. For this blog, our Friend of Qiara, Lactamo , has picked the brains of Melissa Hays, from Cocoon and Cradle. Mel is a mama to three, Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Holistic sleep c ...
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5 Microbiome Myths every mum needs to know

27 September 2023 by Shereen Kiddle

We are well aware of the perils of antibiotic use during pregnancy, labour and post-birth – especially in recovery from a C-section impacting both mum and bub. But the good news is, there are actions parents can take and a longer window of time to make them, to replenish the microbiome and good bacteria for both mum, breastmilk and babies developing microbiome. So whats the research tellin ...
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The Wonders of Breastmilk

01 August 2023 by Qiara Probiotics

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) was founded in 1992 by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and is celebrated in the first week of August with the concept of advocating for change and educating on the benefits of breastfeeding. To celebrate breastfeeding this World Breastfeeding Week, we would like to share with you what 2 of our Health Professionals have to say about the many wonders ...
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Helping Working Mums to Keep Breastfeeding

12 July 2023 by Qiara Probiotics

Whilst breastfeeding has always evoked a lot of discussion and wide-ranging views, very few, if any dispute that breastmilk provides vital nutrients and antibodies that strengthen the infant's immune system, protecting them from various illnesses and infections. Being easily digestible, breastmilk also reduces the chances of digestive issues for the baby. However, for all its benefits, sadly ma ...
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Over 58% of a baby microbiome is inherited from mum

23 March 2023 by Shereen Kiddle

A new study reveals how beneficial microbes are transferred from the mum to baby during and after birth. Researchers looked into the factors that influence mother-baby microbial transfer during birth and over the first month, including mode of delivery, exposure to antibiotics and breastfeeding. The study found that babies born by C-section received fewer microbes from their mother’s vagina ...
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Kittens and Gut Health!.

31 January 2023

Kids and Cats. Did you know 61% of Aussie homes own a pet - with 27% of homes having a cat!. Pet ownership is thought to contribute to human health by reducing stress and improving mental health - for example sixty percent of cat owners sleep with their cats, which may enhance their sense of security and improve their quality of sleep Hundreds of millions of microorganisms live in the hum ...
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Breastfeeding and back to work.

31 January 2023 by Health.gov.au

BACK TO WORK? Returning to work does not mean that you can no longer breastfeed your baby. Continuing to breastfeed can be something special for you and your baby to share, as you both get used to a new routine. If your baby is a few months old and breastfeeding well, they will quite often be happy on a mixed feeding plan of breastfeeds combined with breastmilk offered from a bottle or cup. ...
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4 immunity hacks for the holidays.

08 January 2023

Updated 13 December 2023 Whilst they don’t stay this young forever, the good news is that you can set them up for lifelong health and happiness with great holiday memories and by following some of our favourite holiday tips to support the immune system and gut health for the whole family. A highly functioning immune system is the key to fighting off potential illnesses. And whilst we can’ ...
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4 ways pets improve immunity

07 January 2023 by Damon Frank : WalkinLab.

Psychological Well-Being = Better Immune System To be more specific, in what ways do our pets affect our immune system? The psychological benefits of owning a pet are one of the most fundamental connections between our well-being and those of our animals. Recent studies have found that people with mental health conditions who owned pets had higher levels of psychological well-being. A survey ...
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Kids immunity and 4 tips for gut health.

01 January 2023 by Qiara

How gut health can help support kids’ immunity The gut is home to 70 per cent of the body’s immune system and the bacteria in your child’s gut plays an important role in keeping them healthy. We now know the gut microbiome (the bacteria that live in our gut) affects every aspect of our health, from digestion to immunity. The microbiome is established very early in life, which is why supp ...
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Birthing impact on mums breastmilk microbiota.

15 December 2022

The breast milk microbiome : For several decades, the general consensus among clinicians and researchers was that breast milk is an almost sterile fluid. However, recent scientific advancements have demonstrated that a wide range of culturable microbes resides within human milk. The origin of bacteria present within human breast milk is not known; however, studies have shown that their prese ...
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Does baby influence the breastmilk immune response?

07 December 2022 by MicrobiomeCourses.com

"I love this idea: the potential for “backwash” communication between a mum and her baby during breastfeeding. The hypothesis is that during breastfeeding, there is a blackflow of saliva from the baby’s mouth. The saliva gets sucked into the nipple and into the milk ducts (called retrograde duct flow.) If the baby is sick, the baby communicates information to the mum’s immune system about th ...
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Signs of gut health issues in your infant.

05 December 2022 by Emma Park

Infant Gut Health and Probiotics Gut health is important for all life stages and especially important during infancy. This is the “foundation stage” when the digestive and immune systems are developing and maturing – and will impact the infant for life! If an infant’s gut health is compromised by factors such as premature birth, birth interventions, antibiotics, medications, lack of brea ...
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5 Tips to Support Good Health

01 December 2022 by Qiara

At every age, our microbiome is the ecosystem living within us responsible for digestion, absorbing nutrients, regulating the immune system, protecting from pathogens, and so much more. The holidays is the perfect time to step up your families' immunity and introduce some new healthy practices! 1. Handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhoea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, ...
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Why Qiara Probiotics?

24 November 2022 by Qiara

Probiotics for General Health & Wellbeing Your gut health is the foundation of your general health and wellbeing, so it makes sense to look after it! Protect your gut, and you will be well on the way to optimal wellness, enhanced vitality, and greater happiness. Many health experts suggest taking a probiotic to achieve this, and for an excellent reason. Why a probiotic ? Science tel ...
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Digestion and Diet - 1 week of eating.

19 November 2022 by Healthline.com

You can do plenty of things to improve your general digestive health. One is to eat a diet rich in foods that aid the growth of beneficial gut bacteria . The following foods are great options for improving your digestive health: Vegetables: broccoli, Brussels sprouts , cabbage, arugula, carrots, kale, beetroot, Swiss chard, spinach, ginger, mushrooms, and zucchini Roots and tuber ...
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Reset your gut in 3 days.

18 November 2022 by Healthline.com

Trust your gut. How do you know if your internal microbiome is healthy and happy? “It’s a gut feeling,” Quite literally. With bacteria and other microbes vastly outnumbering the human cells in our bodies, we’re more bacteria than human. Our bodies can’t function properly without them. They support our immune system, help us process and absorb nutrients, and lower the risk many conditions ...
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Csection and skin to skin benefits.

16 November 2022 by MotherLove.com

Think it’s not possible to experience the magic of holding baby and breastfeed in the operating room after a cesarean birth? We are happy to share that, in many cases, it is possible! Though it is not (yet) common practice, a growing number of providers are embracing skin-to-skin and breastfeeding immediately following a c-section. WHY IS SKIN-TO-SKIN BENEFICIAL? Research has shown t ...
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The Breastmilk Microbiome - what you need to know!

08 November 2022 by Dr Jose Hurtado

What is the composition, origin and functional significance of the microbiota in human milk? Human milk contains a host of bioactive compounds and nutrients which meet the nutritional needs of an infant. Although once considered sterile, it was in 2003 when culture techniques allowed us to learn about a large community of bacteria present in human milk. This community was found to aid th ...
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5 tips on preparing for breastfeeding

01 November 2022 by Something for Mumma

5 Tips for preparing to breastfeed your newborn baby Learning to breastfeed can be difficult for many mothers and babies. There is no time limit on how long your breastfeeding journey can or will last for, no manual on how your baby will or should feed or even the amount of milk you can or will produce. Below, we have lactation consultants Deyana & Cheryl from Bundle & Me share their advic ...
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Breastfeeding tips for the first 3 days!

20 October 2022 by Pinky McKay

Congratulations! Here you are, gazing at your amazing newborn, completely overawed at your little miracle. Breastfeeding your baby feels like a huge responsibility, you desperately want to make this work but you have heard all sorts of stories about how difficult it can be. Although breastfeeding is natural, it is a skill that you and your tiny baby will be learning together as you get to k ...
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Breastmilk and babies developing microbiome.

18 October 2022 by news-medical.net

Influences on breastmilk microbiota: There are several factors that can contribute to the composition of breast milk microbiota, some of which include genetic factors, whether the infant was born vaginally or through Cesarean section, maternal use of antibiotics, nutritional intake of the mother throughout pregnancy and during the postnatal period, time of day, lactation stage, as well as the g ...
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Mums Gut Health and breastmilk.

18 October 2022 by Susie Sorensen : Renown Health

Probiotics and Breastfeeding: The Enteromammary Pathway "A woman’s body changes and molds in amazing ways to nurture and sustain her growing baby within, but scientists are discovering yet another adaptation during late pregnancy and lactation that helps to set up her baby’s infant microbiome , the ultimate foundation of health. You see, your gut microbiome—the diverse ecosystem of bacteria ...
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When can baby start using probiotics?

17 October 2022 by Qiara Probiotics

The good news: Qiara Infant is suitable for all infants to support gastrointestinal health from 0-24 months. It works by helping increase healthy digestive flora and good bacteria growth and maintain and support your baby’s gastrointestinal system health. If your infant is exclusively breastfed, it is recommended that mum takes Qiara Pregnancy & Breastfeeding as baby benefits via ma ...
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Connecting your gut with your brain.

15 October 2022 by MothersBabies.org

Our world is so full of opportunities for connection these days that we can communicate with anyone we like, whenever we like… But, I can guarantee that you still don’t chat to anyone as much as your gut and brain chat to each other. These two are the heroes of connection, chatting back-and-forth, non-stop. The Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis Most of us intuitively understand that our gut an ...
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Breastfeeding - might probiotics help?

14 October 2022 by Qiara Probiotics

What the research says : Clinical Research conducted using the single probiotic strain in Qiara, Lactobacillus Fermentum CECT5716, shows that it may reduce discomfort associated with breast pain and mild mastitis and the recurrence of mild mastitis. How it works: Qiara achieves this by aggressively targeting and outcompeting the pathogenic bacteria in breast milk that may be causing the p ...
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New Mastitis treatment - what you need to know!

12 October 2022 by Pinky McKay

Suddenly feeling 'fluey'? Emotional and teary? And you have a hot sore breast? Feeling 'fluey' any time when you are breastfeeding is a warning sign that you could be coming down with mastitis, inflammation of the breast that may or may not also be infected. Mastitis can affect you emotionally too - it is common to feel 'just awful' and teary. New research, new mastitis information Acc ...
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Why breastmilk probiotics for newborn, infants and toddlers?

21 September 2022 by Qiara.com.au

DID YOU KNOW? Breastmilk provides natural probiotics and essential nutrients to help infants develop a balanced immune and digestive system. Qiara Infant contains a probiotic strain isolated from human breastmilk. It is suitable for all infants to support gastrointestinal health and support their microbiome, which is often impacted by factors such as mum’s diet and medication, hereditary fa ...
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The 3 benefits of breastmilk probiotics for mum.

20 September 2022 by Qiara.com.au

Did you know? Qiara supports health during pregnancy and breastfeeding while reducing symptoms and occurrence of mild mastitis. Your gut health and microbiome can directly influence your baby and may be impacted by factors including diet during pregnancy, medicines, birth mode and feeding choices. Qiara Pregnancy & Breastfeeding contains a probiotic strain isolated from breastmilk to supp ...
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Solid Start to a Healthy Gut

15 September 2022 by MothersBabies.org

Health Gut, Healthier Baby What, when, and how to introduce solids to your baby has to be one of the most confusing and divisive hurdles in that first year of your bub’s life. Considering these first couple of years are a crucial window for the development of your baby’s gut microbiome and immune system, and that diet plays a big role in this development, it’s understandable that parents ...
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Mild Mastitis and the Microbiome

13 September 2022 by Penninsula Kids

Mastitis is a common condition for many breastfeeding mothers, and for many this means the end of breastfeeding their baby. Some women suffer with excruciating pain in their breasts, driving a deep fear into them with the thought of their baby latching on, for yet another painful feed. For some, this may cause sadness, a feeling of failure and of course lessens the chance of baby getting the be ...
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Why breastmilk probiotics for Infants?

12 September 2022 by Qiara Probiotics

DID YOU KNOW? An infant’s microbiome can be disrupted by for many reasons including mum’s diet, medication, hereditary factors, birth mode and feeding choices. Antibiotics, which are commonly used during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding can also upset the balance of good bacteria in infants. HOW QIARA CAN HELP? Qiara Infant helps support and maintain gastrointestinal system health in al ...
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Improving mums microbiome during pregnancy.

10 September 2022 by MothersBabies.org

What women eat during pregnancy can have a significant impact on their baby’s gut microbiome and disease risk later in life. Evidence suggests that this is most likely influenced via the expecting mum’s diet, and her own gut microbiome population. Nutrition plays a huge role in the composition, abundance and function of the various gut bugs within the host microbiome and this, in turn may impact ...
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Baby's first 1000 days

06 September 2022 by MotherBabies.org

Babies first 1000 days and the Microbiome. Scientific evidence confirms that the early period of human life that begins at conception and continue until 24 months of life (also called the first 1000 days of life ) plays a vital role for promoting the development of chronic diseases throughout the entire life span, indicating the important impact of maternal health status on the health of future ...
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Restoring microbiome health after antibiotics.

30 August 2022 by NewbornBaby

In an uninterrupted physiological birth, babies are naturally exposed to their mother’s gut microbiome, first in the birth canal (specific vagina flora and some fecal flora), and then via skin and breast milk after birth. In modern obstetrics there are many exposures to antibiotics and other interventions which can interrupt this natural colonisation process. Antibiotics are very commonly us ...
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How can we increase breastfeeding rates in Australia?

29 August 2022 by MilkandLove.com.au

Why Do Women Stop Breastfeeding? Lack of support is the core reason most women stop breastfeeding. There are various issues new mothers face including difficulty attaching, concerns about milk supply levels and worry about unsettled babies that were cited in the Australian national infant feeding survey (by parents who stopped breastfeeding entirely before 6 months). Most of these issues ca ...
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Microbiome and Breastfeeding - the best probiotic strains.

25 August 2022 by Newbornbaby.com.au

Third trimester microbiomes In third trimester the microbiome changes in preparation for birth and breastfeeding. The vagina microbiome increases its levels of lactobacilli (the good bugs) for the ‘exposure’ during a vaginal birth The gut microbiome changes to increase fat and sugar storage (to increase energy stores for birth and breastfeeding) The oral microbiome changes (we’re sti ...
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Probiotics for newborns and babies.

23 August 2022 by Newbornbaby.com.au

In recent years probiotics have become the new superfood as we are paying more attention to the importance of gut health and research is looking into the benefits of probiotics as a prevention or cure for everything from eczema to allergies. What are probiotics and what do they do? You have probably heard from multiple marketing campaigns about how probiotics are “good” or “friendly” ba ...
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Improving your infants gut microbiome

07 August 2022 by Newbornbaby.com.au

Improving children's gut health. Research has revolutionised our understanding of the relationship between gut and brain health, and it’s proven that nurturing your baby’s gut health is crucial to supporting their immune system, digestive system, brain development and overall health. A baby’s early microbiome is influenced by their mothers, even as early as preconception. If you’re trying to ...
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Recurring Mastitis?

05 July 2022 by Pinky McKay

How Can I Prevent Recurring Mastitis? Often the causes behind recurrent mastitis can be attributed to lifestyle stresses such as overdoing things and becoming exhausted or stressed. Stress and health issues such as low iron (anaemia) can lead to a depressed immune system that makes you more prone to infections. Missing feeds or scheduling feeds too strictly and too far apart (your newbo ...
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Infant Gut Health and Probiotics

04 July 2022 by Newbornbaby

Infant Gut Health and Probiotics. Gut health is important for all life stages and especially important during infancy. This is the “foundation stage” when the digestive and immune systems are developing and maturing – and will impact the infant for life! If an infant’s gut health is compromised (by factors such as premature birth, birth interventions, antibiotics, medications, lack of breast ...
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Foods to feed your Gut Bugs!

01 June 2022 by Alpine Natural Health

Pre-biotic and resistant starch foods, help feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut Long term gut health comes from a good quality, organic, plant rich diet, with variety.. ultimately your aim should be to be able to get your nutrients for good gut health, from your diet. My favourite way to do this, is adding in resistant starch's. Resistant starch's are exactly what they sound like; they ...
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Introducing solids to your baby - first 3 years of life!

23 February 2022 by MothersBabies.org

"The first 1-3 years of life is an important period for the development of our gut microbiota. During this critical time, gut microbiota development progresses from it being a relatively simple microbial community that is less rich and diverse, to a one that is high in richness and diversity. Gestational age (full-term versus preterm), mode of delivery (vaginal versus cesarean), early feedin ...
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Gut bacteria in infants for life-long health

23 January 2022 by Dr Lisa Stinson : ABC Science Show

".. noncommunicable diseases are responsible for 7/10 deaths, and because they tend to have quite a chronic nature, this means they inflict a really long-term burden, not just on the individual but also on the healthcare system and the economy. And so noncommunicable diseases all share one underlying feature; they are all associated with microbial imbalance and chronic immune dysregulation an ...
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Managing mastitis when Breastfeeding.

11 January 2022 by Mayo Clinic

Managing Mastitis when Breastfeeding. Full article : https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/managing-plugged-ducts-mastitis Breast pain is the most frequently stated reason for early weaning. The longer breast pain is experienced, the more likely the mother will wean her baby before she intended to. Immediate intervention and treatment of breast pain is cr ...
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Fertility and the Microbiome

10 January 2022 by MotherBabies.org

FERTILITY AND THE MICROBIOME Written by Clare Carrick ANutr (BHSc Nutrition and Health Promotion) Scientifically reviewed by Dr Fathalla Ali, PhD (Paediatrics) : 23/12/2021 Full article : https://www.mothersbabies.org/fertility-and-the-microbiome/ Most of the time, when you hear the word ‘microbiome’, it’s in relation to the gut microbiome, where so much of the research has been focus ...
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How can couples prepare for the fourth trimester / the first 12 weeks after birth?

30 June 2021 by Aliza Carr

The fourth trimester Many new mamas or mamas to be are unfamiliar with this term. The fourth trimester, known as the first 12 weeks after birth, is often the most challenging yet most overlooked period when having a baby. From the moment you find out you are pregnant, you and your partner start to prepare yourselves for the most significant and magical change that is bringing new life i ...
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Five steps to good gut health

An upset gut can cause stomach cramps, indigestion and bloating – but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five easy ways to nourish your body from the inside out. Science is increasingly celebrating the value of good gut health. In the same way that a healthy gut plays an intrinsic role in our overall health – affecting everything from our skin, to our immune system and energy levels – an unh ...
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7 Ways To Prevent Mastitis

by @empoweredmother_

Seven Ways to Prevent Mastitis. By @Empoweredmother_ : www.empoweredmother.com.au Mastitis is inflammation of the breast caused by a blocked milk duct. It may or may not be accompanied by an infection. If you can get on top of your symptoms quickly, you may be able to prevent an infection occurring. Some of the signs that mastitis is coming include: Redness of the breast Pain a ...
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5 Ways to Preserve Your Fertility.

by Kerry Marshall - Mornington Chinese Medicine.

Women are delaying starting a family for various reasons… focusing on careers, building finances or waiting for the right person.The average age in Australia for women having their first baby is 31 and many now starting in their late 30’s and 40’s. Knowing that egg freezing or IVF are options at a cost if needed can be reassuring but they should not be relied on and are in no way a guarantee. In ...
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Mastitis and Christmas.

by Holistic Lactation Consulting

Mastitis and Christmas! By Lactation Consultant Jess @Holistic_lactation_consulting Now I don’t want to be grinch here. We all know Christmas is this best time of year. However it can be a high risk time for mastitis and blocked ducts. Why? Simply because breastfeeding is often put to the side over the holiday period. We get busy, babies are busy, there is a lot going on and suddenly ...
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Breastfeeding Your Baby - Midwives and Mothers Australia

by Sarah Thijs Smit

Breastfeeding Your Baby - Midwives and Mothers Australia Sarah Thijs Smit - midwife & lactation consultant Once established, breastfeeding is usually easy for most mothers and babies and a very enjoyable experience. However, in the first few days you both need to learn what to do. We don’t live in a village with other experienced mothers to guide us. You will need to practice and, if nec ...
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