Colonization of the Fetus and Newborn

There is currently debate among scientists whether or not the _______ has a microbiome or not

womb (in utero)

When is the first exposure of the infant to environmental microbes?

Passage through the vaginal canal

What is the bacteria that newborn encounter in the vagina that allows them to digest milk?

Lactobacillus

Human milk contains around 600 species of _____ and a lot of ______ that babies cannot digest

bacteria

sugars

The _____ from breast milk are used by healthy gut bacteria → Breast milk plays a role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome in the baby

sugars

Other ways the skin, GI, respiratory, and GU tract continue to be colonized in the infant

Family members

Health care personnel

Environment

Food