Cocooned Health

Ep 13. The DEBRIEF: Microbiome Baby & Me: This is a debrief episode discussing some of the topics brought up in episode 12 with Expert guest Dr Lindsay Hall. This includes probiotics in pregnancy and for newborns. The impact of breastfeeding. And the impact of C Section versus vaginal delivery on the microbiome of baby. Dr Eliz Kilich and Dr Lydia Yarlott give extra thoughts on the subject and what the evidence might mean for mums & bubs.

Ep12. Is it worth taking probiotics during pregnancy & are probiotics good for baby? Gut health against infection. Expert Guest: Professor Linsday HallToday we will be talking about the gut health of mum and baby and what the implications are for later life. This is quite a new area of research and so we are deeply privileged to have our special guest today expert Professor Lindsay Hall who is Chair of Microbiome Research at the University of Birmingham, who has really been one of the leaders in helping to get answers on this topic.  Her work explored how "friendly bacteria" like Bifidobacterium coincides with laying the foundation for baby's future health and vitality. She is Group Leader at Quadram since 2015. The Quadram Institute brings together researchers, academics and NHS clinicians to address global challenges in human health, food and disease.
Today we will touch on topics such as 
What the microbiome is and why it's interesting in pregnancy and for babies
the evidence for probiotics in pregnancy
Gut health of the baby after C Section versus vaginal delivery
The impact of breastfeeding 
We will also explore with Professor Hall, why from a scientific perspective it is quite challenging to research these questions. 
It’s important to note that the views we’ve expressed here are our own, and don’t represent those of any institution or other affiliated party and do not constitute medical advice. If you are looking for medical advice, please, as always, contact your own healthcare professional.  Please leave feedback via Instagram @Cocooned Health: And don't forget to subscribe

Ep11.  Chickenpox Vaccine - Juggling Vaccine Timings and Life -  Expert Guest: Professor Adam Finn
Chickenpox vaccines for babies: Can you get them on the NHS or state provided services? Or only via private healthcare? Why if so? Dr Lydia Yarlott and cohost Dr Eliz Kilich is joined by special guest Professor Adam Finn, who is a Professor of Paediatrics at the Universtiy of Bristol in the UK. We talk about Chickenpox vaccines for babies, their timings, different schedules across the world and why it is important.
Professors Finn's research interests include immunity to bacterial respiratory illnesses. He is also a senior clinician in the paediatric immunology and infectious diseases service at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the South West region and heads the Bristol Vaccine Centre. In addition, he was Chairman of the WHO European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization from 2011 to 2022. He has spent ten years as ex officio member of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts, Member of the UK Department of Health Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation from 2014-2024). He also spent 4 years during 2015-2019 as President of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases.

Episode 10: Ever wondered how we know the Flu vaccine is safe specifically in pregnancy? Expert Guest: Professor Paul Heath
This episodes focuses on the safety of the Influenza vaccine in pregnancy and infants. Exploring the evidence for safety and the history behind vaccination safety. We hope to give mums-to-be clear advice and understanding on this topic. 
Paul Heath is a Professor and Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and St George’s, University of London, where he is the Director of the Vaccine Institute. His training in paediatrics and infectious diseases was at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford; and St George’s Hospital, London. His research interests are in the epidemiology of vaccine preventable diseases, in clinical vaccine trials, particularly in at-risk groups and in perinatal infections. He coordinates the UK Paediatric Vaccine Group (UKPVG), is a member of the JCVI, is the NIHR Speciality Lead for Children’s research for South London and is co-Chair of the UK Infectious Diseases Vaccine Research Forum.