04/12/2025
Halt! Don't wash that baby! Have you ever wondered what is that whitish, creamy substance your newborn baby has? It's called Vernix! It starts to form on your baby's skin around 20 weeks. What exactly does the vernix contain? Scientists have identified lipids, amino acids, proteins, antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds such as: Wax and Esters of Sterol Ceramides Squalene Cholesterol Triglycerides Phospholipids and amino acids, asparagine and glutamine on 61 % of these proteins are only found in the vernix. What are the uses of Vernix? It acts as an antibacterial agent to protect the baby in and out of the uterus. The protective cover during the passage through the birth canal allows the baby to collect beneficial bacteria and prevent excessive growth of harmful bacteria. Protect the baby from meconium. exhibition (first bowel movements). It acts as an insulator while maintaining the baby's body temperature. Babies who wash immediately lose significantly more heat. It acts as a lubricant and decreases friction during childbirth, reducing childhood trauma. Smells like mom and helps keep baby calm after childbirth. The baby eats vernix in the uterus. The same proteins found in the vernix are the same as those in breast milk. This helps the baby's digestive tract be ready for breastfeeding. Keeps baby's skin soft and delicate. Why do nurses rub it? Many policies in the hospital system are outdated, but still practiced. They taught us that the vernix represented a risk of germs. You can ask staff to reduce rubbing with the baby to preserve your vernix. When the baby has his first skin-to-skin contact with you, it is the perfect time to rub it, not to remove it. Most of the vernix is absorbed 24 hours after birth, but not fully absorbed until 5-6 days later! Let's give our babies time to absorb this delicious CDEAM that scientists...
