Would you ‘seed’ your baby? The surprising post-birth trend on the rise that sees mothers who have C-sections bathe newborns in vaginal fluid
- New mothers are increasingly requesting 'seeding' after having a C-section
- It involves covering their babies in their vaginal fluid shortly after birth
- They hope it will increase the baby's immune system
- It could give the babies a similar bacteria exposure those born naturally
- A study has shown it partially balances a baby's immune system
It is well-known that babies born naturally are exposed to a range of beneficial bacteria while moving down the birth canal, but now mothers who have caesareans are taking drastic measures to make sure their babies don’t miss out.
A new trend called ‘seeding’ is increasing across Australia, where mothers are requesting their babies be covered in their sterile vaginal fluid immediately after birth via a swab.
The swab of fluid is applied to the baby’s mouth, face and body.
Latest birthing trend: 'Seeding' is becoming increasingly popular and involves mothers who have had a C-section swabbing their newborns with their sterile vaginal fluid immediately after birth
The purpose: By swabbing the baby's mouth, face and body, it is hoped they will be exposed to the similar bacteria experienced by babies in the birthing canal during a natural birth
Their hope is that by doing so, the newborn will have an improved immune system and have a similar exposure to bacteria as babies born vaginally.
When born naturally, babies are exposed to around 300 different bacteria, which then enables them to defend against illness and disease.
‘There is no doubt that there is a different exposure and a different balance in bacteria depending on the mode of birth – that is beyond dispute,’ former President of the Australian Medical Association and gynaecologist told Daily Mail Australia.
‘The question is whether there are any significant health implications for the baby and in the short term, especially for very fragile babies with a risk of infection, it is quite plausible.'
Benefits: Studies have shown that while not 100 per cent effective, the exposure can improve the baby's immune system and less risk of developing health issues
Research: A study at NYU School of Medicine shows the microbes a baby misses out on during a C-section could be partially restored once they are exposed to vaginal fluid
As a result, many premature babies are being treated with probiotics, which have an effect.
Although the seeding method is not scientifically proven, a study at New York University’s School of Medicine has shown the microbes a baby misses out on during a C-section can be partially restored when they are exposed to vaginal fluid.
Dr Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello, the Associate Professor in Medicine at New York University, says although the technique is not perfect, there may be a short time after birth where the babies can benefit.
‘We can’t restore them 100 per cent, which isn’t surprising when you consider how long a baby is exposed to the vaginal microbes during labour, but there might be a window very early on after birth when we can help balance the immune system,’ Dr Dominguez-Bello told Body and Soul.
Not yet proven: Researchers say nothing can be implied about the process of seeding yet, with a study of 1200 babies needed to prove the benefits 100 per cent
“We can’t yet imply anything about improving the baby’s health in terms of its risk of disease though… in order to prove that, we need to conduct a study of 1200 babies, and that’s something we’re working towards,’ she said.
Dr Pesce recommends women should carry out the process with a professional first to get tested for any harmful bacteria, but otherwise believes seeding to be a relatively safe process.
‘A lot of what makes intuitive sense sometimes doesn’t make sense and that is brought out when you do the studies and that’s why it's happening... but it's unlikely to cause much harm and it might do some good,' he said.
‘It’s not happening routinely but there’s certainly discussion of it, and you really need scientific evidence to answer the question.'