#289: What Every Parent Should Know About Their Baby’s Microbiome with Dr. Gabriela Sheets

 Did you know that your baby’s microbiome, the community of microbes that support their gut, immunity, and overall health, is shaped before they are even born? In this eye opening episode, Dr. Elana interviews Dr. Gabriela Sheets, a human biologist and microbiome researcher, about how a mama’s health before, during, and after pregnancy sets the stage for her child’s long term wellbeing. You’ll learn how babies acquire beneficial microbes, why vaginal health matters more than you might think, and when probiotics help or do not. You will also explore practical ways to test and support both your and your baby’s microbiome through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. This episode is filled with valuable insights for any mama who wants to raise a thriving child from the inside out. You will walk away feeling informed and empowered to take meaningful action. Use code DOCTORMOM20 for 20% off your first order or first 3 months of a Needed subscription. Head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM20 for 20%   Topics Covered in This Episode How a baby’s microbiome is seeded before and after birth The link between a mom’s vaginal microbiome and fertility and pregnancy outcomes When to consider microbiome testing and how to interpret results How to choose probiotics for you or your baby and what to avoid When it’s best to use food, supplements, or skip probiotics altogether Show Notes: Book a free 15-minute consult with Dr. Garbiela by visiting her website here. Tiny Health Labs to learn more about microbiome testing for mama and baby. Use code ELANA20 for $20 off each kit! Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s online nutrition program and community, Postpartum Reset, an intimate private community and online roadmap for any mama (or mama-to-be) who feels stuck, alone, and depleted and wants to learn how to thrive in motherhood. Listen to today’s episode on our website Dr. Gabriela Sheets is a human biologist and mama who has spent over a decade researching the early development of the infant microbiome (how babies acquire important microorganisms in and on their bodies). Her research has earned her numerous grants and awards, yet her passion lies in sharing this information with those who can make the most difference for the next generation: moms! In her time away from her deliciously wild three-year-old, Gabriela consults with mamas, practitioners and companies in all things microbiome. To make this valuable and actionable information more widely accessible, Gabriela is developing a series of online educational programs for young families and practitioners. Most recently, she has teamed up with Needed to support their prenatal program and to co-develop their upcoming infant/kids line. Gabriela believes we can support human thriving, one mama and baby at a time! This Episode’s Sponsor Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM100 for $100 off your first 3 months of Needed’s Complete Plan! INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.