Babies are not born dirty Delaying a newborn bath can protect skin microbiome, temperature and physical transition earthside as their skin adapts to this dry earth realm. They are born with the substances from the womb that help support them in transiton the first few days/weeks earthside. Some babies with meconium may need a little wipe down. The skin houses millions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes that together comprise the skin microbiome. During the neonatal period, infant microbiomes are highly vulnerable and susceptible to multiple influences. Preserving and promoting the natural development of the baby’s skin microbiome is important to enhance a baby’s health through infancy and into childhood The skin microbiome protects us against invading pathogens, is involved in the development of our immune systems and breaks down natural products. Microbes and their metabolites affect development as early as in utero, with significant colonization occurring at birth—babies born vaginally acquire bacteria that colonize the vagina and those born via caesarean section acquire those that are associated with the skin. Over the first six weeks of life, these differences seen based on mode of delivery lessen and the infant’s skin microbiome evolves to reflect something similar to its mother’s with bacteria varying by body site. Evidence suggests that the development and maintenance of a diverse microbiome composition in infancy is crucial in promoting normal epithelial development and integrity, as well as shaping some of our immune responses. Disruption of this process can influence the development of inflammatory conditions like food allergy and eczema12. Everything that an infant touches, bathes in, breathes, eats and drinks has the potential to affect their microbiome and the establishment of immune pathways. Naturally, anything that comes into contact with the skin directly has an important impact on the developing microbiome including detergents, hygiene products, soaps, moisturisers, wipes and other personal care products, as well as the timing and frequency of bathing. https://www.waterwipes.com/us/en/health-care/resources/skin-microbiome Thewombsisterhood.com @thepositivepregnancyjourney VERNIX CASEOSA ✨ It is a white, thick and creamy substance, composed of water, lipids and ceramides that covers the body of the baby from the third trimester of gestation and protects its skin inside and outside the uterus. Due to its appearance, the name is originates from the Latin "" vernix "", which means "" varnish "" and "" caseosa "", which means "" similar to cheese. "" 😁 It accumulates especially on the back, scalp and folds of the extremities. In addition to moisturizing and strengthening the skin, it has important functions such as helping to regulate temperature and providing defenses and antioxidants during the last weeks of pregnancy and the first weeks outside the womb. 😍 It is not necessary to wash or clean it, as it is not dirt; on the contrary, recent studies suggest postponing the first bath for at least 24 hours not only to preserve the moisturizing and emollient benefits of vernix, but to avoid unnecessary interruptions and separations between mother and baby. Beyond its antiseptic and protective functions of the baby's microbiome, #vernix has that delicious smell of a newborn, which reaches your brain and is key to starting the hormonal game of the baby. postpartum during the first hours and days. Take off the hat and breathe the scent of his head deep inside.💛 You don't need to bathe your baby for the first few weeks; it is enough to clean the folds of your body with cotton and water and spend the rest of the time being together, skin to skin. ✏️ @nataliadebiegler 📷 @meredithwestinphotography
