There’s a new trend in birthing suites all over Australia.
It’s got parents like me intrigued, and non-parents well, kind of grossed out. But, is there more to this practice than just compiling ammunition to freak out your kids later in life?
Enter “Seeding”; a birth practice whereby mothers who have their babies via c-section take swabs of their vaginal fluid to rub on the face, body and in the mouth of their new baby.
Weird? Yeah, kinda. But just hold up a minute before you get all grossed out by it. There may actually be more behind the idea of Seeding than good old-fashioned nut-baggery from a “wellness” blog.
It all comes from the idea that a natural birth via the lady tunnel exposes a baby to a range of bacteria to which mum already possesses a certain level of immunity.
Absolutely no filter. Babies seconds after they are born. (Post continues after gallery.)
Babies seconds after birth.
During the natural birth process, the immunity and healthy bacteria is passed on to the baby. C- section bubs obviously miss out on this journey, and with it, the immunity and bacteria they would have otherwise received from their mother.
Studies have shown notable differences in the gut health of babies born via caesarian section to those who take the traditional escape route. Amongst these differences is increasing information that suggests that babies who depart via the sunroof have increased instances of digestive and immunity issues both in childhood, and into their adult life.
Top Comments
There is not valid evidence available to support this practice because the vaginal secretions following birth are totally different as to what they were before...after delivery the uterus expels Lochia,,,which is not vaginal secretions at all,,and is not present before the baby is born..as a HCP i would not spread this body fluid on my baby-s face at all ...not with out the medical evidence in place
I'm just so turned off this site by the language used to describe birth and vaginas. They are not dirty or disgusting and I am offended by the jokes that suggest as much. This practise has been used in a study overseas. Watch the doco Microbirth - all is explained and it makes a lot of sense. If I had a c-section I would definitely do it.
That documentary is really well done, isn't it? I really enjoyed it.
If you're looking for something else along those lines, try 'The Business of Being Born'. It's terrific