Understanding the Benefits of Delayed Bathing for Newborns

The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama

Tune into this episode to explore the significant benefits of delayed bathing for newborns.

In this recent Instagram live Trish shares insights on the importance of delayed bathing, how it can benefit both the baby and the mother, and how new mothers can make informed decisions during the postpartum period.

Trish emphasizes the importance of skin-to-skin, and how vernix, a natural protective barrier, plays crucial roles in infection prevention, temperature regulation, and supporting breastfeeding.

She shares insights from her career and changes she has witnessed and advocated for in the practice of newborn care.

Trish gives tips and guidance on how to communicate with healthcare providers about delayed bathing and other interventions after birth to prioritize the wellbeing of the mother-baby.

From Trish:

So why am I recommending Delaying Newborn Bathing?

Delaying Newborns' first bath is one of the critical components of protection that you can advocate for your child at birth.

Delayed Newborn Bathing Benefits

1 . Reduces the Risks of Infection/Exposure

Let's face it; most of our babies are born in a hospital. Think sick people. So to leave the vernix on our little ones and let it protect them from bacteria and fungi. Studies show that vernix has over 41 proteins in it. 29% of those have antimicrobial components, and 39% lend to immunity.

2 . Improves Body Temperature Control

A baby cannot regulate its body temperature (thermoregulation). The newborn baby loses its body heat four times faster than adults. Staying warm is critical to a newborn's well-being. Hence, we also promote immediate skin-to-skin (here are some skin tips and benefits) and eventually swaddling with a hat (after the golden hour, please and thank you!).

Did you know that immediate skin-to-skin reduces thermoregulation issues by 42%? WHAT???????

3. Stabilizes Newborn Blood Sugar Control

Low blood sugar in a newborn is a downright scary situation. It can quickly turn fatal. Guess what increases the risk of a baby's blood sugar dropping? Stress (Like crying) which releases cortisol (stress hormone), causes blood sugar to drop. Guess what makes them cry more? A bath.

Hello, guess what makes a baby less stressed? Being on top of their mom and being warm and not crying.

A study states that babies bathed before 12 hours of birth doubled their chance of improper blood sugar control.

4. Improved Breastfeeding Success

Girl, if all the reasons I have listed so far are not enough, then perk up. Delaying Baby's first bath protects them from a whole bunch of evils and increases the chance of successful breastfeeding. It's known that when skin-to-skin happens during the immediate postpartum period, the baby smells the amniotic fluid on the breasts.

The same is said for the vernix. It smells like amniotic fluid and familiarizes the baby with the breasts, and boom a good latch. It is thus promoting breastfeeding success.

The evidence for delayed newborn bathing is overwhelming. Don't ignore it. You are your little one's first advocate. If your birthplace is not on board, print out the studies I have referenced and fight for change.

As always, education brings power! Stay educated, don't let someone else tell you it's policy!

-Trish

00:53 Introduction to Delayed Bathing: Why It Matters

01:51 The Evolution of Newborn Bathing Practices

05:07 The Science and Benefits of Delayed Bathing

06:37 Practical Tips for Delayed Bathing and Vernix Preservation

06:59 Addressing Common Concerns and Questions

12:27 Advocating for Your Baby's Care: Delayed Weighing and Measurements

14:32 Empowering Parents: Making Informed Decisions

16:17 Closing Thoughts and Resources for Expectant Parents

More from this episode:

I have covered immediate skin to skin, breastfeeding and delayed cord clamping, in my blog which also protects the baby from the start. If you haven't read up on those aspects of birth, read them now!

Also listen to the episode: Unlocking the Power of Skin-to-Skin: The Magic of the Golden Hour

Resources:

Grab a Free Pregnancy/Postpartum Checklist Bundle

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

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On YouTube

On Pinterest

On TikTok

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.