Doctors are warning new mums to think twice before ‘seeding’ their Caesarean-born babies with vaginal bacteria.
Dr Tine Clausen says that an increasing number of parents are asking their doctors about the practice of ‘seeding’ – where a swab of vaginal fluid is collected and rubbed into the eyes, skin, and face of the newborn bub after they’re born.
The theory behind the practice is that babies born via c-section do not benefit from exposure to the bacteria that children born via the vaginal canal receive.
It’s an attempt to help boost the immune system of new babies, after reports link Caesarean birth with a greater risk of some immune-related conditions, however, doctors say it could do more harm than good.
‘I really understand,’ Dr Clausen told BBC.
‘it’s a fascinating thought that you’re able to mimic nature by doing the seeding, but it’s based on some theoretical thoughts and we don’t have evidence to support it.’
Without studying the procedure, there is no evidence to say that it even would work in practice. Other doctors add that it could in fact expose baby to more dangerous bacteria than expected, and until the science has been done to steer clear.
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