Presentation Information

Turn the Microscope on Birth: The Microbiome and Midwifery

• Speaker: Toni Harman , BA
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 75 Mins
• Credits: 1.25 CERP, 1.25 ACM CPD, 1.25 ACNM CEU, 0.125 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

Eight years ago, Toni Harman made a documentary called MICROBIRTH. In the film, Hannah Dahlen, a professor of midwifery says, “Turn the microscope on birth. It’s a really important part of a human being’s life”. If we do turn the microscope on birth, we discover the science of the microbiome. This is the science that strongly supports the midwifery profession.

In this presentation, Toni explains some of the critical microscopic events happening during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding, and how these events are supported by the work of midwives. Toni makes a case that midwives support the vertical transmission of beneficial microbes from mother to child. This helps protect a child’s long-term health. Toni argues that if we can better support midwives, we can better support parents, and in turn, we can better support and protect the health of the next generation.