In this important episode of Functional Medicine with Dr. Howard Robins, we explore how probiotics shape lifelong health starting before birth. Most people don’t realize that a baby’s gut begins colonizing with healthy bacteria during childbirth, especially when passing through the birth canal. Breastfeeding then continues this natural process—but what happens when the mother’s gut isn’t healthy, when breastfeeding isn’t possible, or when a C-section occurs?Dr. Robins explains why pregnant women, newborn babies, and young children benefit from probiotics, and why many probiotic products fail due to dead or ineffective strains. Research shows that only living, active probiotics reliably help support immunity, digestion, brain development, and long-term wellness.This episode provides clear guidance on: • Which probiotics are safe and effective • Ideal dosing for pregnancy, newborns, infants, and children • How probiotics help prevent common medical problems • Why many capsules, tablets, and powders don’t survive the stomach • What parents should know to protect their child’s microbiome • Why living probiotics are essential from the first month of life👉 This show is essential for pregnant women, parents of newborns, and families with young children.👉 Subscribe for more expert insights from Dr. Howard Robins