The First 1000 Days: Shaping Lifelong Health Through the Infant Microbiome

This webinar explores the role of the microbiome during pregnancy and infancy. The first 1000 days (from conception to a child’s second birthday) are a critical window for development that can shape lifelong health outcomes.

Dietitians and health professionals play an important role in supporting families during this time by understanding how the microbiome develops, the factors that may disrupt it, and strategies to help support healthy microbial development in infants. This session will review key concepts related to microbiomes, discuss common disruptions such as C- sections and antibiotic use, and highlight practical approaches, including the use of baby probiotic drops.

You will learn about :

- WHAT do health insights tell us about early-life health?
An overview of key Canadian data and public health perspectives related to maternal and infant health, and why the first 1000 days are a crucial period for long-term wellbeing.

- WHY is the first 1000 days so important?
Understanding how nutrition, environment, and microbial exposure during pregnancy and early life influence immune development, metabolism, and future health outcomes.

- HOW does the microbiome develop throughout pregnancy and in newborns?
A review of maternal microbiome changes during pregnancy and how microbial transfer during birth helps shape the newborn microbiota.

- WHAT factors can disrupt the infant microbiome?
A closer look at common influences such as C-sections and antibiotic exposure, and their potential impact on early microbial development.

- HOW can we support the infant microbiome?
Discussion of practical strategies including baby probiotic drops, along with key takeaways, summary points, and recommendations for healthcare practice.

This webinar is co-hosted by the Scientific Education Team at Optibac Probiotics.