MICROBIRTH at Cinemapolis

Film screening followed by panel discussion featuring Rodney Dietert, Professor of Immunotoxicology, Cornell University, featured in the film! MicroBirth is a new feature-length documentary looking at birth in a whole new way; through the lens of a microscope. The film investigates the latest scientific research that is starting to link the way babies are born with health in later life, particularly the increased risk of children developing certain immune-related conditions, including asthma, type 1 diabetes, celiac (celiac) disease, obesity, cardio-vascular diseases, mental health disorders and even some cancers. The purpose of the documentary is to raise public awareness of the importance of ?seeding the baby?s microbiome? at birth with the mother?s own bacteria ? this bacteria helps train the immune system to recognise what is ?friend? and what is ?foe?. We believe ?seeding of the baby?s microbiome? should be on every birth plan ? for even if vaginal birth isn?t possible, immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding can still help to provide bacteria crucial to the development of the baby?s immune system. In the scientists? view, if we can get the seeding of the baby?s microbiome right at birth, this could make a massive difference to the baby?s health for the rest of its life.