Most babies born to healthy mothers come into the world clean. However, within a few days of birth, your baby’s gastrointestinal tract will be colonized by bacteria. How your child was born—vaginally or by caesarian section—strongly influences the type of bacteria your infant will carry. For example, early studies show that Bifidobacteria infantis was once found in approximately 60 percent of four- to six-day old full-term babies who were born vaginally. In contrast, only 9 percent of babies born by caesarian section were colonized with B. infantis. Through a mysterious phenomenon of Mother Nature, babies pick up friendly bacteria from their mothers during their passage through a clean and healthy birth canal.

We have known for centuries that a healthy mother is more likely to bring forth a healthy baby. In addition to eating right, exercising, taking vitamins, refraining from smoking or drinking, and receiving adequate prenatal care, pregnant women, as well as nursing mothers and infants, also need Probiotic supplements. In this chapter, you will learn why.

UNBORN BABIES AND BACTERIA

Current research shows that a bacterial or yeast infection in the vaginal tract can have extremely serious affects on an unborn child, including triggering a premature birth. In her 1994 paper, "Microbiology of Obstetric and Gynecologic Infections," Dr. Hannah Wexler says, "Infections of the female genital tract cause considerable morbidity; costs, both economic and human, are staggering. Bacterial vaginitis and vaginosis alone are responsible for approximately 10 million office visits per year and may be associated with a variety of more serious conditions, including postpartum endometrititis, pelvic cellulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and chorioamnionitis." Chorioamnionitis is an inflammation of the amniotic sac that protects the fetus. It is caused by organisms in the fluid surrounding the fetus within the amniotic sac.

To understand the cause of many obstetric and Gynecologic infections, you should first know that friendly lactobacteria maintain control of the normal vaginal ecology. In so doing, they provide an important defense against colonization by dangerous organisms. Dr. Wexler explains, "Bacterial vaginosis has been described as a microecologic shift in the dominant organism of the microecology from L. acidophilus to Gardnerella vaginalis, resulting in favorable conditions for the establishment of anaerobic flora. Production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and bacteriocins, and a lower pH are all thought to play a role in the protective nature of this organism [L. acidophilus]. The role of H₂O₂ is thought to be critical in controlling genital microflora; in a study of pregnant women, those colonized by H₂O₂-positive lactobacilli were less likely to have bacterial vaginosis, symptomatic Candidiasis, and vaginal colonization by G. vaginalis, Bacteroides sp., Peptostreptococcus sp., Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Veridians streptococci. Women without vaginal lactobacilli were more likely than women with H₂O₂-producing lactobacilli to have these same organisms, as well as Chlamydia trachomatis."

Dr. Wexler warns, "Although bacterial vaginosis is not a direct health threat [to the mother], the opportunistic pathogens present in this condition place the woman at higher risk for other more serious infections. Bacterial vaginosis has been linked to a wide variety of upper genital tract infections, including clinical chorioamnionitis, pre-term delivery, and postpartum and post-surgical infections (postpartum endometritis, post-hysterectomy vaginal cuff cellulitis, and post-abortion pelvic inflammatory disease)."

In one part of this study, Dr. Wexler selected 171 pregnant women to examine. At term, each woman’s vaginal flora was rated on the basis of a vaginal smear. The flora was considered normal when lactobacteria predominated in the vaginal tract (50 percent), intermediate when there was a fair amount of lactobacteria present (27 percent), or contaminated when the vaginal tract had only a small amount of lactobacteria (23 percent) and bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed. Dr. Wexler determined that high concentrations of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria in the lower genital tract place women—especially pregnant women—at increased risk for genital infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

She writes, "Considerable information links vaginosis with pre-term premature rupture of the membranes, as well as with pre-term labor and birth. High concentrations of vaginal microorganisms have been associated with an increased rate of pre-term delivery...High levels of facultative lactobacilli...were associated with a decreased rate of pre-term delivery..."

If you are beginning to think that your baby might fare better if he or she is delivered by caesarian section, that is not necessarily so. Dr. Wexler states, "Post caesarian section endometritis and postoperative cuff cellulitis both involve the ascent of potentially pathogenic organisms found in the vagina, and vaginosis appears to be a risk factor for the development of these infections. The bacteria may contaminate the endometrial cavity during delivery; during caesarian section, these bacteria gain access to the uterine incision, the pelvic peritoneum, and the abdominal wound."

It has been only in the last several years that medical science has pieced together the relationship between the presence of the friendly bacteria in the birth canal and healthy, full-term babies. The facts are clear. Fortunately, pregnant women can avoid all these complications by taking supplemental Probiotics daily. By protecting their own health, mothers-to-be also protect that of their unborn children. One Swedish study entitled, "Bacterial Vaginosis and Vaginal Microorganisms in Idiopathic Premature Labor and Association with Pregnancy Outcome," published in the January 1994 issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, showed that a vaginal infection is often a causative factor in premature and low birth weight infants. This study of the vaginal microflora of 49 women in pre-term labor was compared with the flora of 38 term controls to discover if the presence of specific microorganisms in the vagina influenced the rate of premature births. What this work confirmed is that vaginal infections in pregnant women present a risk to the fetus. The researchers point out that only 7 percent of all deliveries are pre-term, but these premature births account for more than 80 percent of deaths occurring in babies in the first month of life. The study concludes with this statement, "Our study clearly indicates that BV [bacterial vaginosis] and its associated organisms are correlated with idiopathic premature delivery." For information on how friendly bacteria can help relieve vaginal infections, see Vaginitis.

BABY BACTERIA

As its name implies, Bifidobacteria infantis is a natural inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract of human infants. It also occurs in small numbers in the female vagina, along with L. acidophilus. The bifidobacteria, including B. infantis, B. bifidum, B. longum, and B. breve, are the predominant bacteria in the large intestines of babies. They are special varieties, not the same strains found in adults. These bacteria are considered "anaerobic;" they do not require oxygen. They produce acetic and lactic acids, plus small amounts of formic acid, from carbohydrates. The major beneficial functions of the "baby bacteria" are similar to those of bifidobacteria in adults.

The common strains of baby bifidobacteria prevent the colonization of invading pathogens in your infant’s intestine because they are fierce competitors for nutrients and attachment sites along the intestinal wall. When sufficient numbers of baby bifidobacteria are in residence, the bad bacteria can’t find room to colonize. The production of acetic and lactic acids by the bifidobacteria increases the acidity of the intestine, further inhibiting the growth of undesirable bacteria. These friendly bacteria also assist in nitrogen retention, assuring normal weight gain in infants. Like their "big brothers," baby bifidos inhibit the bacteria that converts nitrates into the potentially harmful carcinogenic nitrites. And, of course, they produce those very important B-complex vitamins.

THE BACTERIA IN BREAST MILK

Once upon a time, breast milk was considered the best food for infants. In some circles, it is still so regarded. However, even Nature’s perfect food source has become tainted by the damage we have done to the ecology of our planet.

There is evidence that the quality of breast milk has declined worldwide, almost certainly because of the manmade pollutants found in the air, water, and food chain. The intestinal flora of babies today is far different from that of infants less than half a century ago. Although B. infantis is the preferred colonizer, more recent investigations show that other species of bifidobacteria, such as B. bifidum and B. longum, are now dominant in the colonies of breast-fed babies.

Does it matter? Oh, yes, very much so. In 1988, in a paper entitled, "Occurrence of B. infantis and B. bifidum in the Gut of Infants and Adults," Dr. J.L. Rasic reported on a German study that focused on the composition of intestinal flora in infants for nearly thirty years. This study showed a measurable decline in both the numbers of and changes in the strains of bifidobacteria found in breast-fed babies. The decline in beneficial bacteria was accompanied by a rise in the levels of undesirable pathogenic organisms. Between 1974 and 1977—the final years of the study—the researchers found that more than 10 percent of the babies examined had no bifidobacteria in their stool.

A similar trend was observed in premature babies studied over the same time frame. Although premature infants have a naturally lower concentration of bifidobacteria than full-term babies, even lower levels of bifidobacteria were documented in this more fragile group of newborns.

Dr. Rasic reports that he has found steadily increasing levels of Klebsiella and certain pathogenic strains of E. coli, both potentially very dangerous bacteria, in these same babies. These species of disease-causing bacteria are now commonly found to be resistant to antibiotics. Dr. Rasic has also observed a gradual rise in the average levels of pH in the gastrointestinal tract of babies, indicating lower levels of acidity in the large intestine. This factor is known to promote the overgrowth of undesirable bacteria and fungi.

Researchers in Britain, Germany, and France have confirmed Dr. Rasic’s findings. Using computer models, a group of scientists has predicted that babies are faced with a steady loss of beneficial bacteria, accompanied, inevitably, by an increase in the levels of dangerous disease-causing microorganisms in their bowels. The consequences of this shift in bacterial populations could be very serious.

Drs. A. Schecter and T. Gasiewicz outlined the problem in their 1987 book, Solving Hazardous Waste Problems. They documented the high levels of toxic chemicals such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-doxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) in human breast milk in such diverse geographical locations as the United States, Canada, and Vietnam. Breast-fed infants are on the front line for receiving these toxins. Understandably, levels of toxic breast milk were much higher in Vietnam because of the herbicides dropped during the Vietnam War. However, levels of these potentially cancer-causing chemicals also have been found in the breast milk of North American mothers.

A consequence of the spraying that took place in Vietnam, dioxins and furans are also found in such sources as common garden pesticides, wood preservatives, certain household paper products, and the emissions from incinerators. These dangerous chemicals have been discovered in atmospheric pollution, tainted water, and seafood that comes from contaminated oceans, rivers, and lakes.

Dr. Schecter and his colleagues recommend the long-term observation of babies fed contaminated breast milk. They cite that these chemicals are especially worrisome because they have been known to cause cancer in animal studies.

In a USA Today article published in December 1987, Dr. Philip Anderson of the University of California, an authority on tainted breast milk, is quoted as saying, "The longer they breast-feed, the more [toxins] the babies get. We cannot permit the contamination of our most precious resource to continue." That was almost ten years ago. The problem is worse today.

Be that as it may, I must emphasize that I am not suggesting that a new mother opt for formula over breast milk, if she is able to nurse her child. The very first milk a nursing mother gives her baby is colostrum. Colostrum contains water, protein, fats, and carbohydrates, plus important substances that fight hostile bacteria, including white blood cells that provide a boost to the infant’s young immune system. These substances encourage the development of bifidobacteria colonies, which, in turn, increase the acidity of the colonized region and create a hostile environment for harmful.

In any case, formula-fed infants face another set of problems. In both instances, the problem is a deficiency of beneficial bacteria.

FORMULA-FED INFANTS

The most obvious difference between breast-fed and formula-fed infants is the makeup of the child’s stool. Babies on breast milk have loose stools with a rather "cheesy" odor, and an acid pH. Most formula-fed babies produce feces that are almost adult in odor, appearance, and composition, if not in size. The pH level is the same, too, between 6.0 and 7.0.

In 1980, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a paper entitled, "Influence of Breast Feeding on Bifido Flora of the Newborn Intestine," by Drs. H. Beerens, C. Romond, and C. Neut. These doctors reported that the numbers of bifidobacteria in groups of differently fed infants may appear similar, but the species differ. They warn that this difference carries with it serious health implications. This study showed that the main difference between infants fed cow’s milk and those fed breast milk is the presence of high levels of dangerous Bacteroides, Clostridium, and E. coli in the babies fed cow’s milk. These levels do not decrease as the child gets older.

After examining a variety of possible food sources that might enhance the colonization of the infant’s gastrointestinal tract with beneficial bacteria, the doctors concluded that human breast milk is still best. They state, "None of the other mammalian milks favored the growth of bifidobacteria species (B. infantis, B. bifidum, and B. longum). This suggests the presence [in human breast milk] of a specific factor that we have termed the ‘BB factor.’" Although the doctors did not identify the substance in human milk that stimulates bifidobacteria growth; they did state that the substance is heat-stable and not a protein.

Manufacturers of infant formulas try very hard to provide the constituents of human breast milk in their product, but they fail. Formulas based largely on cow’s milk, as well as soy formulas, simply cannot sustain those vitally important bifidobacteria colonies in a baby’s bowel.

BIFIDOBACTERIA AND YOUR BABY

Dr. J.L. Rasic points to a growing decline in beneficial bacteria, such as B. infantis, that can prevent infant diarrhea, and an increase in the harmful bacteria that cause it. Uncontrollable diarrhea is one of the major causes of infant death. This is likely to happen especially when a baby has suffered through several episodes of ill health or is malnourished to begin with. Although diarrhea is still most prevalent in Third World and underdeveloped countries, it remains a major cause of death in industrialized countries as well. Over 1,000 children under the age of twelve months die each year in the United States from the effects of diarrhea.

The harmful bacteria most often involved in this sort of intestinal illness are certain strains of E. coli, which attack either the small or large intestine, where they do their damage by producing toxins. The intestines can also be invaded by various strains of Salmonella. This bacteria attaches itself to the mucous membranes and penetrates them. Once this is achieved, it creates havoc by directly spreading into other areas. In the large intestine, Shigella produces symptoms through direct invasion and/or toxin production.

These and other pathogens are controlled by healthy flora when your child’s gastrointestinal tract is well colonized by bifidobacteria strains, such as B. infantis. Unfortunately, this particular bacteria is on the decline. As we have seen, a decline in B. infantis is always accompanied by a rise in dangerous bacteria.

Dr. J.L. Rasic explains that B. infantis is less "robust" than the other bifidobacteria, meaning that it is less able to cope with the growing worldwide contaminants found in the food chain, air, and water. Nonetheless, B. infantis is able to cope with those dangerous invading microorganisms, including E. coli, Klebsiella, and even Salmonella.

Friendly bacteria bring the same benefits to babies that they bring to you. Calcium absorption is enhanced by the presence of the friendly, acid-producing bacteria. Friendly bacteria also aid in the digestion of milk sugars and increase the digestibility of proteins. Dr. Rasic has found that when underweight infants are given supplements of B. infantis, there is an increase in nitrogen retention, which helps the child achieve normal weight gain. Bifidobacteria deliver B-complex vitamins, as well. These are all very important benefits for newborns.

PROBIOTICS FOR INFANTS

By now, you are well-acquainted with both the bifido and lacto families of friendly bacteria. Perhaps you are wondering why L. bulgaricus and L. acidophilus have not been discussed in this chapter. I have told you that the friendly bacteria do the same things for babies as they do for adults. However, here again, the species and strain are all-important. Some strains of these microorganisms produce the D form of lactic acid instead of the L form. While either strain is beneficial for adults, the D form of lactic acid is poorly tolerated by infants’ digestive tracts.

Streptococcus faecium is another common inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract that, in some cases, assists bifidobacteria by contributing large quantities of acetic acid to the area. However, some strains of this particular bacteria have the ability to cause food poisoning. Most are safe, according to research, but some are not. You should be aware that some manufacturers include large amounts of E. faecium, formerly known as S. faecium, in their supplemental lactobacillus mixtures, mainly because these cultures are significantly cheaper and easier to grow than the better known lactobacteria.

In a paper entitled, "Factors Affecting Enterotoxin Production by Thermonuclease Positive Streptococcus faecium SF-100 Isolated from an Infant Food," published in The Journal of Food Science in 1985, Drs. V.K. Batish, H. Chander, and B. Ranjanathan showed that in a slightly alkaline environment at a temperature of 98.6ºF (37 ºC), dangerous enterotoxins produced by the SF-100 strain of S. faecium were at their maximum production after eight hours. Should this strain find its way into an infant’s digestive tract that is not well-colonized with friendly bacteria, there is the real possibility of harm.

E. faecium has also become resistant to vancomycin, one of the last remaining "big guns" of the antibiotic family. Even worse, this bacteria has the ability to transfer this characteristic to other dangerous bacteria. This means that the body of anyone ingesting E. faecium could become a production facility for drug-resistant bacteria. When this news broke, at least two manufacturers stopped using E. faecium in their supplemental lactobacillus mixtures.

My advice is to give your child B. infantis only. Unless you have consulted with a knowledgeable health care professional who knows the importance of strains regarding the use of L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus and/or E. faecium for your baby, you should steer clear of these supplements.

CONCLUSION

There is no need to deny your baby the proven benefits of Probiotic supplementation; however, we live in an increasingly polluted world. Baby bacteria are declining, while dangerous drug-resistant bacteria are increasing. All babies—whether breast-fed or bottle-fed—need the protection of friendly bacteria. Remember that B. infantis is Nature’s choice for babies, and should be yours as well. This "infant bacteria" is safe for babies. The Malyoth strain of B. bifidum can assist in the repopulating of your baby’s gastrointestinal tract with friendly bacteria, too.

And, if you are a pregnant mother-to-be, here’s a special reminder. Whether your child is born vaginally or by caesarian section, he or she will arrive clean, healthy, and free of bacterial contamination as long as you are. The health of your unborn child begins within you

NOTE: The information contained on this site is based on the training, personal experiences and research of the author, Natasha Trenev. It is intended for educational purposes, and is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or replace medical care.Mention of any research organization or individual researcher should in no way be construed as an endorsement of thissite or of any of the techniques therein. Because each person and situation are unique, the author urges the reader to checkwith a qualified health professional before using any procedure in which there is any question of appropriateness. It is a sign of wisdom, not cowardice, to seek a second or third opinion.