Seeding the Infant Microbiome: The What, the How, and the Why

In this episode of The POPPED Podcast, Dr. Emily Muery dives into the powerful, invisible world of the infant microbiome—and how it lays the foundation for lifelong health.From birth method to breastfeeding, she unpacks how a baby’s gut is colonized, why it matters, and what parents can do to support it. You’ll learn the difference between gut issues and normal newborn behavior, the role of skin-to-skin and delayed bathing, and why spit-up doesn’t always mean a microbiome problem. The episode also explores vaginal seeding, water birth, and what to know if antibiotics are part of your story.Whether your baby was born vaginally, via C-section, en caul, or into a tub, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and equipped with simple, practical ways to support your baby’s gut health—no perfection required.Mentioned in this episode:Infant probiotics to explore: B. Infantis, L. Reuteri, and L. Rhamnosus GG—ask your provider if they’re appropriate for your babyThis episode is sponsored by The Final PunctuationVisit thefinalpunctuation.com