So today I learnt that during pregnancy and just afterwards your gut bacteria changes. So what does this mean? Well, these changes in gut bacteria could change a pregnant woman's metabolism. Two changes that happen during pregnancy are an increase in the amount of body fat, and reduced sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar. The changes help the fetus to grow and prepare the mother's body for the energy that will be needed during breast-feeding. Recent studies have found that consuming probiotic supplements beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy and continuing their use through at least the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding can help women lose weight after the birth of their baby. Supplements with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were linked to less central obesity (defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more). So that's the extra weight you might carry around your middle! Probiotic use can be especially important if you need to take antibiotics for any reason in the postpartum period (which I did). When mamas consume probiotics, the health benefits also find their way into breast milk and are passed on to baby. Breast milk is actually the source of our first immune-building 'good' bacteria. Since baby’s gut bacteria continues to culture throughout the breast feeding period, it is great for mamas to continue taking probiotics in the postpartum and as long as she breastfeeds. #probiotics #health #postpartum #antenatalbioflora #healthymummybrigade 💪🏼👶🏻