My Cheesy Baby: What Is Vernix?
No, your newborn isn’t dirty! That’s vernix caseosa, a powerfully protective, “water proof” coating that covers baby’s skin in utero and prevents heat loss after birth.
Vernix can aid in the passage through the birth canal and act as a physical barrier against bacteria. It’s also theorized that vernix helps in the development of healthy microbiota for your babe.
So we don’t need to rush to wash it off. More and more evidence-based birth facilities are significantly delaying baby’s first bath or not offering it at all.
When you are holding your newborn baby some of the vernix might also get onto your own skin. You don’t need to wash that off either! Think of it as some extra moisturizer that is good for your skin too. Just rub it right in.
Ask your postpartum doula about all the benefits.
Did your newborn baby have vernix on her skin at birth?
Learn more about your options in our Labor and Birth Preparation Guide!
Christie Rinder is the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas, Tampa Bay's original and largest doula agency. Supporting families since 2009, she's passionate about ensuring every family has the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She believes in helping women recognize their own inner wisdom, strength and power.
Having served as President of the Tampa Bay Birth Network for six years and 17 years serving families as a doula and agency owner, she has a reputation for leadership, dedication and compassion. A childbirth educator, certified lactation counselor as well as a certified doula, she makes a point of ensuring mothers and their partners understand all their birthing options and what to expect on their journey. > learn more about Christie
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