An article published in The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing discussed that biological and environmental changes to maternal and newborn microbiomes in the postnatal period can affect health outcomes for the mother-baby dyad. Additionally, postpartum sleep deprivation and unmet dietary needs alter commensal bacteria within the body and disrupt gut-brain communication. Perineal injury and breast infections also change microbial community composition, potentiating an environment favoring pathogen growth.

The authors elaborated that the gut microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms working in harmony. Disruptions within the gut microbiome and gut-brain communication may lead to postpartum depression – a potentially devastating sequela. Postnatal newborn changes to the gut and skin microbiome materialize quickly after delivery and are profoundly influenced by delivery mode, feeding method and bathing and skincare practices. During the newborn period, infant microbiomes are highly vulnerable and susceptible to multiple influences. Maternal-newborn nurses have a valuable role in helping mothers and newborns promote healthy microbiomes.

Emerging research suggests interwoven relationships between diet and other maternal health factors, including circadian rhythms, mental health and infections—which synergistically influence the maternal microbiome, illuminating the importance of a comprehensive and informed approach to caring for postpartum mothers and newborns. While targeted instruction on infant feeding, bathing, and skin care practices facilitate neonatal eubiosis. Understanding the role that the microbiome has in many aspects of postpartum recovery and newborn well-being profoundly increases nursing knowledge and allows maternal child nurses to take advantage of the unique opportunity they have to positively shape maternal and newborn microbiomes.

This article summarized that much of the literature presented does not directly relate to the postpartum period, however, connections can still be drawn. Specific microbiome research during the postpartum timeframe is needed to better understand the rapid physiological changes.

Source: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing. Nov/Dec 2017;42(6):326-331. doi: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000374.