The postpartum period, often called the fourth trimester, is a critical time for a mother's recovery and overall well-being.
During this time, the body undergoes significant changes as it heals from childbirth, regulates hormones, and adapts to the demands of caring for a newborn. One emerging area of focus in postpartum care is the use of probiotics to support digestive health, immune function, and mental well-being.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily beneficial bacteria, that support gut health. They are commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in dietary supplements. Probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion, immune response, and even mood regulation.
Benefits of Probiotics Postpartum
- Restoring Gut Health: Pregnancy and childbirth can disrupt gut bacteria due to hormonal changes, dietary shifts, and, in some cases, antibiotic use during labor. Probiotics help replenish beneficial bacteria, improve digestion and reduce issues like bloating and constipation, which are common postpartum concerns.
- Supporting Immune Function: A significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut. By promoting a healthy microbiome, probiotics may enhance immune function and reduce susceptibility to infections, which is particularly beneficial for new mothers recovering from childbirth.
- Aiding Mental Health and Reducing Postpartum Depression: Emerging research suggests a strong connection between gut health and mental well-being. The gut-brain axis links gut bacteria to the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influences mood. Some studies indicate that probiotics may help reduce symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety, offering a natural support option alongside traditional treatments.
- Preventing and Managing Mastitis: Mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that causes pain and inflammation, is a common issue for breastfeeding mothers. Certain probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius, have shown promise in reducing the occurrence and severity of mastitis by balancing bacterial populations in breast tissue.
- Supporting Infant Health Through Breastfeeding: Probiotics consumed by a mother can influence the composition of breast milk, potentially benefiting the baby’s developing gut microbiome.
How to Choose the Right Probiotic
When selecting a probiotic postpartum, consider the following factors:
- Strain Specificity: Different strains have distinct benefits. For example, the following strains may help with:
- Digestive Support: Various Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, including L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus and B. breve, B. longum, B. infantis
- Immune Support: Bifidobacterium bifidum and B. lactis
- Mood Regulation: Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus helveticus, and L. reuteri
- Mastitis Prevention: Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius.
- Quality and Potency: Look for reputable brands with clinically tested strains, guaranteed live cultures and high colony-forming units (CFUs).
- Dietary Sources: Incorporating probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, can be a natural way to maintain gut health.
The postpartum period presents unique challenges, and probiotics offer a simple yet effective way to support overall health during recovery. By restoring gut balance, aiding in digestion, enhancing immune function, and potentially improving mental health, probiotics can be a valuable addition to postpartum care. As always, new mothers should consult with their healthcare provider before adding supplements to their routine to ensure they meet their individual needs.
Embracing a holistic approach to postpartum recovery, including proper nutrition, rest, and probiotic support, can help mothers feel their best as they navigate the joys and challenges of early motherhood.
Ready to support your postpartum health with personalized care? Book an appointment with Dr. Holly Paraschuk, ND today and start your journey to recovery and well-being.
References
Barker, M., Adelson, P., Peters, M. D. J., & Steen, M. (2020). Probiotics and human lactational mastitis: A scoping review. Women and Birth: Journal of the Australian College of Midwives, 33(6), e483–e491.
Belkaid, Y., & Hand, T. W. (2014). Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell, 157(1), 121-141.
Koren, O., Goodrich, J. K., Cullender, T. C., Spor, A., Laitinen, K., Backhed, H. K., … & Ley, R. E. (2012). Host remodeling of the gut microbiome and metabolic changes during pregnancy. Cell, 150(3), 470-480.
Slykerman, R. F., Hood, F., Wickens, K., Thompson, J. M., Barthow, C., Murphy, R., & Crane, J. (2017). Probiotic supplementation in pregnancy and infant outcomes: A randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 106(2), 467-473.
Trifkovič, K. Č., Mičetić-Turk, D., Kmetec, S., Strauss, M., Dahlen, H. G., Foster, J. P., & Fijan, S. (2022). Efficacy of Direct or Indirect Use of Probiotics for the Improvement of Maternal Depression during Pregnancy and in the Postnatal Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 10(6), 970.
Yu, Q., Xu, C., Wang, M., Zhu, J., Yu, L., Yang, Z., Liu, S., & Gao, X. (2022). The preventive and therapeutic effects of probiotics on mastitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS One, 17(9), e0274467.
