What Every Parent Should Know About Antibiotics (And Your Child's Gut)
Antibiotics have saved countless lives, and there are absolutely times when they are the right treatment for your child.
But there is another side to the conversation that many parents know of, but maybe not the full extent.
Antibiotics don't just target the bacteria causing an infection. They also affect the beneficial bacteria that make up your child's gut microbiome. Because that microbiome is still developing throughout early childhood, those changes can last much longer than many people realise.
In this week's episode of To Make a Mother, I'm unpacking what the research tells us about antibiotics and the developing gut microbiome, why this matters for your child's immune system, and the practical ways you can support recovery if antibiotics are needed.
Listener Question
Before we dive into this week's topic, I answer a question from a listener about something deeply personal.
"You mentioned in Episode 1 that you no longer have a relationship with your parents. How do you answer when your children ask about their grandparents?"
I share how I'm navigating these conversations with my own children, why I choose honesty without oversharing, and the approach I'm taking while they're still young.
In this episode
We discuss:
What the gut microbiome actually is
Why the first few years of life are so important for microbiome development
What antibiotics do to beneficial gut bacteria
Why the effects on the microbiome can last far longer than the antibiotic course itself
Why some children seem to get stuck in a cycle of recurring infections
Whether probiotics should be taken during or after antibiotics
The probiotic strains with the strongest evidence in children
Foods that help support microbiome recovery
When probiotics should be used with caution
A few key takeaways
Antibiotics affect more than the infection
Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections, but they do not distinguish between harmful bacteria and the beneficial bacteria that live in the gut.
This temporary disruption to the microbiome can reduce bacterial diversity and create an environment that is more vulnerable while the gut recovers.
Recovery takes longer than most parents think
Many parents assume the microbiome returns to normal once the antibiotic course finishes.
Current research suggests that recovery can take much longer, particularly in young children whose microbiomes are still developing. That is why supporting the gut after antibiotics can be just as important as treating the infection itself.
There are practical ways to support your child's gut
The good news is that the microbiome is remarkably resilient.
In the episode I explain the evidence behind probiotics during and after antibiotics, the strains that have been studied most extensively in children, and simple dietary strategies that help nourish beneficial bacteria while the gut recovers.
This week's recommendation
Every week I share something that has made motherhood feel just a little lighter.
This week I'm recommending Unwind Co, a beautiful Australian business creating seasonal DIY creative kits that encourage us to step away from our screens and reconnect with creativity.
As someone who has fallen completely in love with knitting recently, I loved the philosophy behind these boxes. Sometimes the best form of self care is simply getting out of your head and making something with your hands.
Listen to the episode
If your child has needed antibiotics, this episode is not about guilt.
It is about understanding what happens inside the gut, why it matters, and how you can confidently support your child's recovery with practical, evidence informed strategies.
You can listen to the full episode using the player above (or wherever you listen to your podcasts)
References
ESPGHAN Working Group on Probiotics. Probiotics for the Prevention of Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea in Children. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2016.
Guo Q, Goldenberg JZ, et al. Probiotics for the Prevention of Pediatric Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2019.
Korpela K, et al. Intestinal microbiome is related to lifetime antibiotic use in Finnish pre school children. Nature Communications. 2016.
Merenstein D, et al. Invasive infections associated with the use of probiotics in children: a systematic review. BMJ Open Gastroenterology. 2021.
Nuñez H, et al. Early life gut microbiome and its impact on childhood health and chronic conditions. Gut Microbes. 2025.
RACGP HANDI. Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhoea in adults and children. Updated 2025.
Waitzberg D, et al. Can the evidence based use of probiotics, notably Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, mitigate the clinical effects of antibiotic associated dysbiosis? Advances in Therapy. 2024.
This episode is for educational purposes and does not replace individualised medical or naturopathic advice. Always seek assessment from a qualified health professional for your specific situation.
New here? Find me on Instagram (@kate__holm) or at kateholm.com. Thanks for listening!