Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
7247767 
Journal Article 
Letter 
The microbiome seeding debate - let's frame it around women-centred care 
Lokugamage, AU; Pathberiya, SDC; , 
2019 
Reproductive Health
ISSN: 1742-4755
EISSN: 17424755 
English 
In a global culture that is increasingly interested in ecological interventions, probiotics, 'friendly bacteria', microbiome preservation/restoration and long-term health, there is growing awareness of the idea of seeding the vaginal microbiome in the new born after caesarean section. It is postulated as a way of restoring helpful missing microbes and preventing long term non-communicable diseases of babies delivered by caesarean section. Currently, there is a deluge of evidence being published on the human microbiome, which can be challenging to digest and absorb by scientists, clinicians and patients. The specific evidence base around this technique is at its early stages. This commentary discusses what advice is currently available from a feminist and a person-centred care perspective.