Early Microbial Colonization

Breast milk oligosaccharides are said to feed infant bacteria and support robust microbiome development. Initial colonization is described as important because it helps train the developing immune system. C-section birth is described as lifesaving when needed but capable of altering infant microbial colonization. Antibiotic exposure around birth and early infancy is presented as disruptive to microbes and breastfeeding. Vaginal birth is presented as a major microbial transfer event that seeds the infant gut with maternal microbes.