Kim Smith, Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Breastfeeding Education & Support
  • Book Breastfeeding Help
  • 6 Weeks to Breastfeeding Success
  • Tummy Time Method
  • Breastfeeding Class
  • Breastfeeding
    • Tips to get breastfeeding off to a good start
    • What is an IBCLC?
  • Blog
  • Breast Pump Rental

HOLD THE BATH! 15 things you might not know about vernix. 

2/18/2017

Comments

 
Newborn babies are dirty business and believe it or not that white substance on newborn babies is good for them and shouldn’t be washed away!

Here are 15 things you might not already know about vernix: 
Picture

  1. The formal name is Vernix Caseous. Vernix means varnish and caseous means cheese-like.
  2. It is a naturally occurring biofilm made in the last trimester of pregnancy. 
  3. The first mention of vernix was in the Dunglison dictionary of Medical Sciences in 1846. 1846. Can you believe that? And here we think we are on to something new these days.  
  4. Vernix is unique to humans. 
  5. At the time of birth, vernix might cover the entire body of an infant or it might only be found in the body folds of the baby.
  6. Vernix might take on a more yellow, green or brown colour instead of the typical white colour. These colours might reflect intrauterine problems or fetal distress. 
  7. Vernix is 80% water and 20% lipids and proteins. 
  8. Vernix, combined with amniotic fluid, is swallowed by the fetus in utero & has a positive impact on gut development. 
  9. Vernix acts like lubricate of the infant during delivery. 
  10. Vernix is antimicrobial. It is an antimicrobial agent that protects against the bacteria filled environment of the mothers vaginal area. It provides an acidic environment on the skin which is believed to inhibit the growth of problematic bacteria. 
  11. Vernix acts an insulator post delivery as the baby transitions into the outside world and helps babies regulate temperature. (This can continue for up to 5 days if left on the infant.)
  12. Vernix is a great moisturizer and has amazing wound healing properties (studies are being done on burn injuries).   
  13. Vernix is believed to have antioxidant properties, which helps aids against the stressors of birth. 
  14. Vernix blocks out meconium contamination of amniotic fluid. 
  15. The National Association of Neonatal Nursing (NANN) and the Association of Women's Health Obstetrical and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN) released a consensus statement that states “removal of all vernix is not necessary for hygienic reasons” and “vernix may provide antibacterial promotion and wound healing”. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends leaving vernix intact on the skin surface after birth.​

I think we can agree vernix is pretty amazing. 
Comments

    Kim Smith
    IBCLC,

    Chatting about a variety of birth and breastfeeding topics. 

    Categories

    All
    Breastfeeding
    Breastmilk Donation
    Childbirth
    COVID
    Doula
    Essential Oils
    IBCLC
    Lactation
    Low Supply
    Pain
    Postpartum
    Sleep
    Thrush
    Tongue Tie
    Vasospasms
    Weight Gain

    Archives

    May 2022
    September 2021
    July 2021
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    September 2017
    August 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

    RSS Feed

Picture
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.


Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Serving Regina SK & Area

306-550-6143
​kim@kimsmith.org


Payment methods accepted: 
Cash, Electronic Money Transfer
Cheque or Credit card. 
(no debit unless it is Visa debit)
  • Book Breastfeeding Help
  • 6 Weeks to Breastfeeding Success
  • Tummy Time Method
  • Breastfeeding Class
  • Breastfeeding
    • Tips to get breastfeeding off to a good start
    • What is an IBCLC?
  • Blog
  • Breast Pump Rental