Up-Dated at 04-Feb-2024

Benefits Of Probiotics For Mother & Baby - A detailed guide for Healthy Nutrition

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and it’s natural to want the best for your child’s health and well-being. From the moment of conception to the first years of a child’s life, there are countless decisions to make regarding nutrition, healthcare, and overall wellness.

One topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years is the use of probiotics for both mother and baby. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of probiotics for both mom and baby and how they can help support a healthy pregnancy and infancy

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, that are good for our health. They can be found naturally in some foods, like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir, or in supplement form.

When we think of bacteria, we often think of harmful germs that can make us sick. However, there are many types of bacteria that are actually good for us. These are the bacteria that makeup probiotics.

Probiotics work by colonising the gut, which is home to trillions of bacteria. These beneficial bacteria can help keep the gut healthy and functioning properly. They can also help stimulate the immune system, which can help protect against infections and other diseases.

There are many different types of probiotics, and each has its own unique benefits. For example, some probiotics can help with digestion, while others may help boost the immune system or reduce inflammation.

Probiotics are a natural and safe way to support good health. They are easy to incorporate into your diet and can provide a range of benefits for both the body and mind.

Are Probiotics and Prebiotics the same?

No, probiotics and prebiotics are not the same, but they are related.

Prebiotics are dietary fibers that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in our gut. They are not alive like probiotics, but instead, they nourish the existing beneficial bacteria in our digestive system.

Some examples of prebiotic-rich foods include garlic, onions, bananas, apples, oats, and asparagus.

While probiotics and prebiotics have different functions, they work together to support digestive and immune health. You can help promote a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut by consuming probiotics and prebiotics.

What are the Benefits of Probiotics?

Probiotics offer a range of benefits for people of all ages and stages of life. Here are some of the specific benefits for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and babies:

Benefits for Pregnant Women

Improve mood: Probiotics can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression during pregnancy.
Prevent UTIs: Probiotics can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy, which are common and can cause complications.
Reduce the risk of vaginal infections: Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina, reducing the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
Support fetal health: Probiotics can support the healthy development of the fetus by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the mother’s gut and improving nutrient absorption.
Prevent gestational diabetes: Probiotics can help regulate blood sugar levels during pregnancy, reducing the risk of developing gestational diabetes, which can lead to complications for both the mother and baby.

Benefits for breastfeeding mothers

1.Improves breast milk quality:

Probiotics can help improve the quality of breast milk by increasing the levels of beneficial bacteria in the mother’s gut, which can then be passed on to the baby through breast milk.

2.Reduces digestive problems in infants:

Breastfeeding mothers who take probiotics can help reduce digestive problems, such as colic and constipation, in their infants.

3.Supports postpartum health:

Probiotics can help support postpartum health by reducing the risk of postpartum depression and improving overall immune function.

4.May reduce the risk of eczema in infants:

Taking probiotics while breastfeeding may help reduce the risk of eczema in infants.

5.Prevent breast infections:

Probiotics can help prevent and treat common breastfeeding-related infections, such as mastitis and thrush.

Benefits for Babies

1.Reduce the risk of colic: Probiotics can help ease colic symptoms by regulating the digestive system and reducing inflammation in the gut.

2.Prevent infections: Probiotics can help reduce the risk of infections, such as respiratory and ear infections, in infants by supporting the immune system.

3.Boost vitamin B12 production: Probiotics can help improve the absorption of vitamin B12, which is important for brain and nervous system development.

4.Improve digestion: Probiotics can help regulate bowel movements and alleviate digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea in infants.

5.Support overall health: Probiotics may help improve the overall health of babies by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and reducing the risk of allergies and eczema.

Probiotics offer a range of benefits for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and babies. By incorporating probiotic-rich foods and supplements into your diet, you can support the health and well-being of both you and your little one.

However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet.

Should mom or baby take probiotics?

Both mom and baby can benefit from taking probiotics, but the specific recommendations may vary depending on the individual’s health status and needs.

For babies, some infant formulas are fortified with probiotics or prebiotics to help support their digestive health and immune system.

Now Begins infant formulas are formulated with essential ingredients to provide just that. The formula contains Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), which are prebiotics that help promote good gut bacteria growth.

Breastfed babies can also receive the benefits of probiotics through their mother’s breast milk. When lactating mothers consume probiotic-rich foods or supplements, it can help improve the composition of breast milk and provide beneficial bacteria to their babies.

For pregnant women, taking probiotics can positively impact both the mother and the growing fetus.

Research has suggested that probiotics may help improve fetal growth and development and reduce the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and infections.

Overall, probiotics can be a safe and effective way to support the health of both mother and baby. However, speaking with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet is important.

What is the best way to give probiotics to your baby?

The best way to give probiotics to your baby depends on their age and individual needs. Here are some options:

1.Breast milk: If you are breastfeeding your baby, your breast milk already contains probiotics that can help promote healthy gut flora. You can also take a probiotic supplement to increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in your milk.

2.Infant formula: Some infant formulas are now fortified with probiotics to promote digestive health in babies. Now Begins’ premium infant formulas are fortified with DHA and probiotics. Check with your pediatrician to see if this is an option for your baby.

3.Probiotic drops: Probiotic drops can be added to your baby’s bottle or directly into their mouth. It’s important to follow the instructions on the product and consult with your pediatrician before giving any supplements to your baby.

4.Probiotic-rich foods: As your baby starts to eat solid foods, you can introduce probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables. Be sure to choose options that are age-appropriate and consult with your pediatrician.

5.Prebiotic-rich foods: Prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These include fruits and vegetables such as bananas, apples, asparagus, and onions. Including prebiotic-rich foods in your baby’s diet can help support a healthy gut microbiome.

Always consult your pediatrician before giving any supplements or introducing new foods to your baby’s diet.

How mothers can add Probiotics to their diet?

When it comes to consuming probiotics, there are both natural and artificial options available.

Probiotics are essential for maintaining a healthy gut and immune system. In Pakistani cuisine, natural sources of probiotics can be found in foods such as yogurt, lassi, pickles, and kefir.

These foods contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria that can help support digestive and immune health.

Yogurt, commonly known as “dahi” in Pakistan, is a popular source of probiotics. It can be consumed plain or mixed with fruit for added flavor. Lassi, a traditional Pakistani drink made with yogurt, is another excellent source of probiotics.

Pickles made with mustard oil and vinegar are a staple in Pakistani cuisine and can provide a good dose of beneficial bacteria. Kefir, a fermented milk drink, is also becoming more popular in Pakistan and can be found at health food stores.

If you’re not a fan of these traditional Pakistani foods and want to ensure that you’re getting sufficient probiotics, you can also take supplements.

Probiotic supplements, including capsules, powders, and liquids, come in various forms and can be found at most health food stores.

It’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In addition to consuming probiotics, it’s also important to nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut with prebiotics. Consider incorporating both prebiotics and probiotics into your diet for optimal gut health

Conclusion

If you’re looking for high-quality probiotic and prebiotic products to support your gut health, check out NowBegins. Our products are carefully formulated with science-backed ingredients and manufactured to the highest quality standards.

NowBegins also offers helpful guides and resources to support the health of both mothers and babies. Visit our website to explore our resources and take the first step towards a healthier journey for you and your little one today. Read More