Vaginal Seeding: The Birth Trend Practice We Probably Won’t Be Trying
Vaginal Seeding may have replaced placenta eating at the top of the unusual births list. [Photo: Rex Features]
There have been some out-there birth practices in the past – placenta capsules, placenta burials, placenta for dinner? Each to their own birth plan and all that. But a new trend in birth planning could well be the most unusual of all.
DISCLAIMER: If you’re eating right now, you might want to take a moment to finish before reading on. Vaginal Seeding (sounds innocent enough, but wait) is a birth practice whereby mothers who have had 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.
But before you get completely weirded out, listen to the science bit. It all stems from the idea that babies born via c-section aren’t exposed to the same bacteria that bubs born via lady bits are. So the theory is that by smearing them with mum’s, ahem, fluids after birth, their immune systems will be more robust.
And there’s certainly some evidence to support this. Studies have shown notable differences in the gut health of babies born via caesarian section to those who take the natural route. One such study at New York University’s School of Medicine has shown the microbes a baby misses out on during a c-section can be partially restored when they are exposed to vaginal fluid.
Weird or way to boost immunity? A new birth trend is dividing experts. [Photo: Rex Features]
But not everyone is in agreement about the so-called benefits of the unusual practice. A small study conducted at the University of Puerto Rico aiming to prove the immune boosting benefits of seeding has been described as inconclusive by some experts.
So while the jury is out on the potential pros, if you’re still keen to give it a go experts recommend women should carry out the process with a professional first to get tested for any harmful bacteria.
Not for you? Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding are also recommended by experts to help boost baby immunity.
What do you think of the new birth practice? Let us know @YahooStyleUK.
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