Delayed first baths for newborns has been a WHO and UNICEF recommendation since 2012. Maximizing the protective benefits of the Vernix Caseosa delivered numerous benefits to an infant. However, a 2019 Cleaveland Clinic study linked delayed baths to the increasing rates of exclusive breastfeeding. At least 12-hours after delivery was the suggested time to wait until the first bath.
Holding off the first bath was associated with boosting exclusive breastfeeding rates because of the similarity of the skin’s smell to the breasts, regulated body temperature, and skin-to-skin contact of mother and child.
In addition to improving breastfeeding rates, delaying the first baths of newborns also provides further benefits. To know more about the association of postponing first baths to breastfeeding and its other benefits, here’s an in-depth discussion on delayed first baths!
In A Nutshell…
- A 2019 Cleaveland Clinic Study showed that a 12-hour delay on the first bath of newborns results in higher rates of exclusively breastfed babies.
- Delayed first baths resulted in better breastfeeding rates because:
- The smell of amniotic fluid is similar to the smell of the breast, encouraging babies to latch and breastfeed.
- The Vernix Caseosa acts as a protective skin layer that helps conserve the baby’s body temperature after birth. A stabilized body temperature leads to less stress and better success at breastfeeding.
- Skin-to-skin contact right after birth activates the release of many hormones that initiate neurobiological processes to start, including breastfeeding.
- In addition, delayed first baths can also reduce the risk of infection, maintain baby’s blood sugar, promote temperature control, establish mommy and baby connection, and improve the baby’s skin.
Story Time :
Back in 2016, many holistic mentors introduced me already to the concept of skin to skin and bonding continuously after birth. I was able to apply it with my baby Isaac after his birth. I basically wore everything scent free so as to not interfere with his sensory stimulation. The wait wasn’t just 12 hours, but even 36 hours for his first real bath. All that is really needed was to use a washcloth to clean his genitals thoroughly.
The result was truly amazing! By the time I left the hospital, I felt so connected to him. He was so calm, and we had successfully established a great latch and breastfeeding. You will have plenty of time for lots of baths to come…..but that bonding connection only happens in those first few hours and days after both. Don’t let anything come in between that!
2019 Study Finds Delayed First Baths Increases Rates of Breastfeeding
Delayed first baths in newborns have been a practice in hospitals for many years. Since 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have come up with the recommendations to delay the first bath to 24 hours after birth in order to conserve the baby’s body temperature.
But according to a 2019 Cleaveland Clinic study, postponing the first bath for at least 12-hours after birth can also lead to more babies being exclusively breastfed. With nearly 1000 mother-newborn pairs included in this study, the results showed that exclusive breastfeeding rates rose up from 59.8% before intervention to 68.2% when delayed baths were introduced.
Interestingly, this study was conducted because the Cleaveland Clinic observed that more and more mothers were keen to put off their baby’s first baths. When asked why, the mothers said they read the recommendations and benefits in many mom blogs and social networking sites.
Effects of Delayed Baths in Breastfeeding
Although the mechanisms are still unclear, the study associated the boost in breastfeeding rates to the following factors:
- Smell. It was observed that the smell of the amniotic fluid and the breast were pretty similar. This encouraged babies to latch efficiently, resulting in better breastfeeding.
- Preserving Body Temperature. The whitish coating on the skin of the baby is called the Vernix Caseosa. This acts as an extra protective layer to the skin, helping the baby conserve its internal temperature better. When babies are protected from the cold, they aren’t too stressed to breastfeed.
- More skin-to-skin time. The findings just support the already established benefits of skin-to-skin contact in achieving a successful breastfeeding experience. By delaying a baby’s first bath, many hormonal and neurobiological processes can occur. The mother-and-baby connection can help with newborn transitions, regulating bodily processes, and stabilizing brain functions.
What’s In The Vernix Caseosa
After a baby is born, you will notice that it may be completely or partially covered by a whitish cheese-like layer that coats their body. This is called the Vernix Caseosa — a coating on the skin, consisting of fatty secretions coming from the dead epidermal cells and the sebaceous glands from the skin’s early development. It’s composed of 81% water, 9% protein containing lipids, and 10% fat.
The Power of the Vernix
Before birth, the main role of the Vernix Caseosa is to protect the skin of a developing fetus. Inside the uterus, the vernix forms a hydrophobic barrier to inhibit the loss of fluids and electrolytes. Mixing with the amniotic fluid, babies also frequently swallow the vernix while in the womb. This coats the gut and boosts the baby’s growth and development.
While in labor and birth, the vernix now acts as a biofilm that helps minimize the friction during the birthing process. In addition, the vernix has antimicrobial components that protect the baby as they pass through the birth canal.
The vernix still performs its protective functions after birth. A newborn’s skin undergoes dramatic changes such as the decrease in pH levels and surface hydration a few days after they are born. Keeping the vernix in place helps the skin to stay hydrated, resulting in less peeling and cracking.
Looking closer at the components of the vernix, it has a variety of substances that prove to be extremely beneficial. Among are the following:
- Antioxidant properties. The birthing process produces high oxidative stress in babies. Vernix contains antioxidants in the form of vitamin E and melanin, which can aid in relieving these stresses.
- Antibiotic properties. The vernix can protect the baby from a myriad of infections including meconium aspiration, inter- and extra-uterine infections, and other bacterial pathogens.
- Hydrating components. Since the vernix contains almost 81% water, it’s considered to be very hydrating. The additional substances found in vernix are also beneficial for skin cleansing and wound healing.
5 Other Benefits of Delaying First Bath For Newborns
Reduces the risk of infections
After birth, many newborns still have a weak immune system. Their bodies are not yet prepared to fight off even the most common diseases and infections. Amazingly, the development of the baby’s skin during the early stages has left them with a protective white coat called the Vernix. This has special antimicrobial and antibiotic properties that shield your baby from infections when they’re born.
Delaying the first bath can help maximize the immunity-boosting benefits of the vernix and keep your baby healthy and free from infection.
Maintains blood sugar in babies
Babies don’t typically adjust right away to the life and environment after being born. This taxing transition leads to the release of many stress hormones, causing a sudden drop in the baby’s blood sugar. So what does this do to your baby? They will be more than likely too tired and sleepy to wake up and start breastfeeding.
Holding off the first bath will help stabilize your baby’s blood glucose, giving them the needed energy to establish nursing as early as possible.
Promotes temperature control
Inside the womb, your baby enjoys a regulated and warm environment. But right after being born, their bodies would still need some time to adapt to the external temperatures. To help with the adjustments, the vernix provides the baby with a natural blanket and keeps them warm.
Postponing the first bath and keeping the vernix on the baby’s skin will help regulate a baby’s body temperature.
Establishes mommy and baby connection
You and your baby have been bonding together for 9 months! They have grown familiar to the sound of your voice and the beat of your heart. But when they are born to this world, your baby needs to rely on their senses to feel safe. That’s why the first skin-to-skin contact between a mother and child is so important.
The first moments of a baby should be enjoyed and cherished by their parents. Bathing a baby right away under the care of nurses takes this precious time away from the parents. By delaying the first bath and allowing the mom to recover after birth, both parents will able to share this special bathing experience with their child.
Vernix acts as a hydrating moisturizer
Ever wonder why a baby’s skin is so smooth and soft, even after birth? It’s because the vernix caseosa has a lot of natural hydrating properties. In turn, they already have a layer of natural moisturizer that protects their skin while transitioning to the air and their environment.
In Summary….
Babies are born in this world with a natural protective layer keeping them warm and clean, even right after being born. Because of the several benefits reaped from the Vernix Caseosa, including the boost in breastfeeding rates, many hospitals are including delayed first baths of newborns as a part of their labor and delivery protocols.
The WHO and UNICEF since 2012 advocated a 24-hour wait until the first baths. However, the latest Cleaveland Clinic study found that a 12-hour delay is enough to establish better breastfeeding rates. Other than breastfeeding, keeping the vernix caseosa after delivery also helps reduce the risk of infection, regulate blood sugar, normalize body temperature, establish a maternal connection, and improves the skin of your baby.
