My Cheesy Baby: What Is Vernix?

By Christie Collbran | August 10, 2018
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?

Posted in Newborn Care

About Christie Collbran

Christie 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 with ten years serving families as a birth doula, 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.> keep reading

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