Vernix caseosa is a creamy, white, natural biofilm that covers the skin of a fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy. In Latin, vernix means "varnish", and caseosa means "cheesy". It works as a natural, protective moisturizer while the baby is in utero that can also help the skin prevent drying if rubbed into the skin after birth. Vernix caseosa is made of water, fatty acids, and proteins that create a moisturizing barrier on the skin after living in a pool of amniotic fluids for nine months. Some babies that have gone past their due dates no longer have it on their skin and may be more dried out, but this can be resolved with organic nut oils or baby moisturizers. Vernix caseosa has a natural scent that draws the baby and mother together and supports the bonding experience.
Scientific research and studies have shown that both amniotic fluid and vernix caseosa contain antimicrobial peptides (protein building blocks) that are biologically active against many different bacteria and fungi, like E. coli, Group B Strep, Staph aureus, Psudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Listeria monocytogenes, Serratia marcescens, and Klebsiella pneumonia. What is interesting is that these proteins are also found in breast milk, which becomes another way for the mother and baby to connect through scent. In the womb, as this creamy biofilm washes into the amniotic fluid, the fetus is able to swallow and breathe in the healing antimicrobial protectant, which helps the lungs and GI tract become stronger and stay protected as an innate defense barrier.
In addition to immune support, vernix caseosa helps to regulate both temperature and blood sugar levels. By decreasing the amount coldness a baby feels from the evaporation of water from the skin, vernix caseosa coats the skin and helps to keep the newborn baby warm. It can also help stabilize blood sugar because a bath right out of the womb can be extremely stressful for a newborn baby. That stress can cause big drops in blood sugar as well as hypothermia. Weight loss is also decreased, as well as the possibility of getting jaundice. In addition to all of the benefits listed, when the baby has a chance to go straight to the mother's chest instead of taken away for a bath, then the possibility of latching on and nursing increases. Bonding and connecting immediately after birth is one of the best and most important moments for the mother and child. Even the WHO (World Health Organization) advises to wait 6-24 hours before bathing a newborn baby for all of these reasons.
Some schools of thought say to avoid bathing a newborn until at least 48 hours after birth, and only use a sponge bath until the umbilical cord falls off. Once the cord has fallen off, it is wonderful to take warm water and add a few drops of Myrrh essential oil (in its purest form) to it for the first bath. Myrrh helps to strengthen the immune system, sooth, calm, and protect the baby. Babies don't need a daily bath, and when they do get a bath, it is important to both clean and dry the areas under the folds and properly moisturize the skin so they don't get dry. In general, there is no rush in getting a newborn baby into a bath, and it is actually better for them not to. The natural approach will help with bonding as well as many health benefits on the mental, emotional, and physical levels. Most health professionals will agree that waiting to bathe a newborn is best for all involved.
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