Mom Refuses To Let Nurse Give Newborn A Bath. Turns Out, She May Have The Right Idea...
#1 Baby's First Bath
Babies usually have a bath moments after they're born, to was away the "white cheesy looking substance" that covers their body. But there may be a benefit to NOT giving them a bath after they arrive...
#2 Vernix Caseosa
The white substance is Vernix Caseosa, and it protects the child's skin while they're in their mothers womb. Doula Maiysha Campbell says it used to be strange for a parent to suggest no bath, but now it's completely fine.
#3 Natural Moisturizer
Vernix Caseosa contains sebum (skin oil) and separated cells from the infants body, and is considered the "best natural moisturizer out there."
#4 Protective Cover
"The bacteria the baby has on his or her skin are supposed to be there," Dr. Ian Holman says. "The vernix protective cover over the skin after birth is supposed to be there. The idea of washing all of that and the good bacteria off doesn't make a lot of sense. Babies' skin gets cracked looking after seven or 10 days. Adding water and washing off all that fatty stuff is probably not good for the baby."
