Mothers facing C-sections look to vaginal 'seeding' to boost their babies' health

Early studies show that swabbing a mother’s vagina and transferring it to her baby’s mouth, eyes and skin may stimulate microbiome development similarly to babies born naturally – and protect it from health issues later in lifeCarolyn Weiss has a very peculiar birth plan. An hour before Weiss, who is 37 and lives in Brooklyn, gives birth this January via C-section, she will insert a piece of saline-soaked gauze into her vagina. Right before the surgery, she’ll remove the gauze and place it in a sealed container. Seconds after the birth, Carolyn’s husband will take the gauze and swab it inside the baby’s mouth, around her eyes, and on her skin. The practice, called “seeding”, is beginning to attract some attention. Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Pregnancy Women Health Family & wellbeing Parents and parenting Life and style Science Microbiology Children Source Type: news