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Honey...
If you're expecting first, congratulations!!!
Taking prenatal classes is clutch before babee comes because it prepares your most of the things you should expect to see after birth an some of the emotions that come along too.
You and your partner should definitely educate yourself on what happens immediately after birth with your newborn. Welcome to my version of free virtual childbirth education and what to expect?
So you've just had this beautiful babee but what is the waxy substance covering babee.
I can't lie I was quite drawn to wipe it across my lips like chapstick when my babees were born like some may be drawn to lick their babees. It's a true primal instinct mothers have immediately after birth.
What is the cheesy waxy substance covering your babee after birth?
Vernix caseosa
"It is a naturally occurring, complex, lipid-rich substance covering babee's skin surface of the fetus in the last trimester of pregnancy, produced in part by fetal sebaceous glands."
It is composed of sebum, dead skin cells, and other secretions from the fetus and is believed to have several protective functions.
Waiting at least 6 hours after birth before bathing is helpful during The Golden Hour as well. Leaving vernix on for at least 24 hours or more will allow for its protective benefits such as:
1. Protection:
Vernix caseosa acts as a protective barrier for the baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid and preventing it from becoming too dry.
2. Lubrication:
The substance also helps to lubricate the baby's skin, making it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal.
3. Immunity:
Vernix caseosa contains antimicrobial properties that help to protect the baby from infections, especially during the first few days of life when the immune system is still developing.
4. Thermoregulation:
The substance also helps to regulate the baby's body temperature by keeping the skin moist and preventing heat loss.
5. Gut Health:
The vernix within amniotic fluid when swallowed by fetus has potential effects on the developing gut.
6. Moisturization:
Vernix retention after birth results in significantly more hydrated skin surface with higher moisture accumulation rate and higher baseline hydration. This may facilitate postnatal skin hydration.
So when your beautiful babee arrives whether vaginal or cesarean leave the vernix in tact.
Sources
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