Have you ever wondered what that thick, white layer on a fresh, new baby is.....?

Well, this waxy substance is called Vernix Caseosa – and it is a result of an important secretion – of a special oil – created in baby’s sebaceous glands.

Vernix typically begins to accumulate in the last trimester of pregnancy and is thought to not only protect the baby in utero, but it also serves as a mechanism of defense after baby is born.

In the past, as soon as baby emerged from its protective womb, it was quickly whisked away from its mother – to have that “gunk” wiped off, be given its first bath, have a whole series of tests taken, procedures done, and injections given.

Luckily, research has shown that (beyond leaving the baby alone with its mother) delaying baby’s first bath- and allowing that vernix to reside on the skin – has a number of health benefits!

•It has antimicrobial properties.
Recent studies have shown that vernix contains antimicrobial amino acids that block invasive bacteria present in the amniotic fluid from meconium contamination. After baby is born, these amino acids work to protect against harmful bacteria such as: B. streptococcus, E. coli, Staph aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Listeria monocytogenes, Serratia marcescens, and Klebsiella pneumonia.

•Vernix has wound healing properties.
It has been shown to help with the quick regeneration of skin following a wound. In fact, the use of vernix with skin grafting on burn victims is currently being investigated!

•It moisturizes and hydrates baby’s skin.
The newborn’s integumentary system undergoes immediate changes following birth, including dehydration. Because of its high water content, vernix acts as a natural moisturizer for your baby, protecting its skin from dryness and environmental exposure.

•It can help regulate baby’s body temperature.
There is only very rarely a need for a warmer and lights! Babies almost always do better skin to skin on their mother (even tiny preemies). Studies show that infants who have it washed off have a significantly higher rate of heat loss.

As the movement toward evidence-based practice has become standard, more hospitals are no longer bathing infants.✨

So, when you deliver your baby, don’t be surprised if they arrive with a thick coat of vernix. It is there for a reason! Instead of washing it off, use that time to snuggle up to your baby and enjoy the magic of skin-to-skin….. celebrating this perfection in its entirety.

*And if you are a friend or a family member of someone who chooses not to bathe their baby after birth, make sure you support – and even celebrate them – for working so hard to keep their new baby healthy. ✨💛

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