What if how you’re feeling after having a baby… isn’t just emotional?

 In this groundbreaking episode of The Baby Podcast, Dr Ali Ajaz reveals why so many new mothers are struggling—and why it might have nothing to do with “coping” and everything to do with what’s happening inside your body.

From severe nutrient depletion to the gut–brain connection and the impact of chronic sleep deprivation, this conversation uncovers a side of postnatal mental health that’s rarely talked about—but could change how we understand it completely.

If you feel anxious, low, overwhelmed, or not like yourself… this episode will make you feel seen - and help you understand why.

Consult with Dr Ali Ajaz: www.draliajaz.co.uk

Brain Health Nutrients: www.brainwealth.co.uk

NutriMum Trial:

Bradley, H.A. et al. (2024) ‘Efficacy and safety of a mineral and vitamin treatment on symptoms of antenatal depression: 12-week fully blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial (NUTRIMUM)’, BJPsych Open, 10(4), p. e119. doi:10.1192/bjo.2024.706.

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Coby Langford and Jo Gamble explore the critical role of the baby microbiome in shaping health from the earliest moments of life. They discuss how the microbiome is formed, the impact of birth methods, maternal stress, and nutrition on its development, and the importance of probiotics. Jo shares her personal experiences and insights as a functional medicine practitioner, emphasising the need for early intervention and the potential for parents to make a positive impact on their child's health.

Takeaways

• The baby's microbiome begins developing in utero.
• Maternal health and stress significantly influence the baby's microbiome.
• Diverse diets are crucial for a healthy microbiome.
• Probiotics can help restore balance after antibiotic use.
• Birth method can affect the initial microbiome exposure.
• Testing the baby microbiome is now possible and beneficial.
• Colic may be linked to microbiome imbalances.
• The vagus nerve plays a role in gut health and function.
• Parents can take proactive steps to support their child's microbiome.
• It's important to focus on what can be done moving forward.

Chapters

00:00 The Baby Microbiome: An Introduction
05:31 Understanding Ecosystems: Microbiome Explained
09:21 The Formation of a Baby's Microbiome
13:30 Challenges in Establishing a Healthy Microbiome
17:35 The Impact of Antibiotics on Microbiome
19:20 Nourishing the Microbiome: Diet and Diversity
25:52 Testing the Baby Microbiome
28:14 Colic and the Microbiome Connection
38:29 Navigating the Challenges of Breastfeeding
39:04 Understanding Latch and Its Impact
39:56 The Role of Microbiome in Infant Health
40:52 Probiotics and Their Importance
42:19 Colic Diagnosis and Management
44:24 The Connection Between Maternal and Infant Health
45:25 Factors Influencing Microbiome Development
48:20 The Impact of Hygiene on Microbiome
49:54 Balancing Cleanliness and Microbiome Health
51:26 Allergies and the Microbiome Connection
54:32 Probiotics: Evidence and Recommendations
01:01:18 Practical Takeaways for Parents
01:04:12 Formula Feeding and Microbiome Health
01:10:40 Empowering Parents for Better Health Choices

USEFUL LINKS

CONSULT WITH JO GAMBLE

BABY MICROBIOME TEST UK

BABY MICROBIOME TEST USA

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Mum Jenna Horner was unhappy about giving her baby plastic teethers, and decided to do somthing about it! In this episode we discuss the recent research into microplastics and their relationship to babies, and discuss some simple switches / choices you can make to start to reduce your baby's exposure to microplastics.

www.cloudandcuckoo.com

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Coby runs through all the different types of baby formula milk and discusses what to consider when deciding which is the right choice for your baby.
THE BABY APP:
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/the-baby-app-uk/id6468959427
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hr.apps.n290145&pcampaignid=web_share

BOOK: 7 Steps To A Happy Baby: 
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CKGNQPFT
USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKGNQPFT

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Coby shares her thoughts on CMPA

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Coby explains colic and the commonest cause of colic that can be easily and quickly addressed.

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Where do you start when your GP has discharged your baby and they won't stop crying?  Start here!

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Meet your host, Coby Langford, Paediatric Osteopath and Naturopath.

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