Vernix Caseosa is that yellowish-white substance that covers or coats your baby during pregnancy, and what you see on them after birth. A lot of people see this and thing that the baby is “dirty” or needs to be cleaned, but that is untrue. In fact, the best thing to do is to leave it on and rub it in. Vernix is not only not harmful, but quite beneficial.
As a child I LOVED baths. I often would stay in way longer than I should have (I would literally adjust the water temp like 20 times, the adult in me is shook at my carelessness), leaving with soft, wrinkly skin. “Way longer than I should have” really only was like, 2 hours. Imagine how much of a mess I would be if I stayed in the bath straight for 40 weeks. This is what your baby is doing! However, they don’t arrive looking as I did, the arrive looking fresh and cute as ever. This is because the vernix coats and protects your baby, saving them from those unsightly wrinkles and to help prevent their skin from chapping. Also, you know the phrase “as soft as a babies bottom?” Vernix also moisturizes the skin. A lot of parents attribute their babies healthy, soft and clear skin not only to a healthy diet, but from rubbing in the vernix after birth, and delaying their first bath. I always suggest to at least leave the vernix on for the first day or two, and delaying the first bath for about a week. The baby smelling like part of the environment they just left from aids in comforting them and helping them adjust to life outside of the womb. Here are some more benefits to vernix:
Did you get a chance to learn about vernix before you had your baby? How much vernix did your baby have left? Comment and let me know below! https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/vernix-caseosa#3
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