In this conversation, Dawn Thompson and Laurel Wilson explore the critical role of the microbiome in perinatal health, the importance of breastfeeding for establishing a baby's immune system, and the challenges faced by mothers, especially those who undergo cesarean births. They discuss the cultural perspectives on breastfeeding, the alternatives available for feeding infants, and the need for support systems for new parents. The conversation emphasizes the uniqueness of each breastfeeding experience and the importance of community support in navigating these challenges.

Laurel Wilson is a TedX and international speaker, women’s health and perinatal specialist, integrative nutrition health coach, international board-certified lactation consultant, speaker consultant, educator, and author. Laurel has authored two books, The Attachment Pregnancy and The Greatest Pregnancy Ever. Her passion is blending today’s recent scientific findings with mind/body/spirit wisdom to highlight the magnitude and importance of the perinatal period. Laurel has been joyfully married to her husband for three decades and has two wonderful grown sons, whose difficult births led her on a path towards helping emerging families create positive experiences. She believes that the journey into parenthood is a life-changing rite of passage that should be deeply honored and celebrated.

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