Seeding after birth, or vaginal seeding, is a birthing trend that involves swabbing the mother’s vaginal discharge on babies born via C-section. It’s a controversial practice, and most experts are against it.
Why is vaginal seeding done after a C-section?
Vaginal seeding began after a team of researchers discovered that the microbiome composition of babies born by cesarean delivery was significantly different from babies born by vaginal delivery.
Studies have shown that babies born by C-section are more likely to have allergies, hay fever, and asthma. About 60% of children are born through cesarean delivery in developed countries, and these countries also have increasing numbers of chronic and autoimmune diseases. Gut microbiota and immunity are believed to play a key role in the development of these diseases.
This has led to speculation that C-section births may be hampering the natural process of a baby acquiring and developing immunity from the good bacteria in their mother’s vaginal secretions.
How is vaginal seeding done?
Doctors place swabs inside the vagina of the mother just before delivery. After the C-section is performed and the baby is born, the swabs are rubbed in the baby’s mouth, nose, and skin.
The goal is to transfer good microbes from the mother’s vagina to the baby. These microbes are supposed to help the baby build a healthy gut microbiome and strengthen the baby’s immunity.
Is vaginal seeding really beneficial?
It’s premature to say whether vaginal seeding really benefits babies.
Only one study has demonstrated the positive effect of vaginal seeding. The study was conducted on 15 babies born by cesarean delivery and reported that 4 of the babies who were swabbed with maternal vaginal fluids before their delivery had a microbiome similar to those born by vaginal delivery.
However, this is a small study, so its data cannot be used to recommend the practice of vaginal seeding. More studies are required to determine whether this practice is truly effective or not.
What are the risks of vaginal seeding?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) does not recommend the practice of vaginal seeding, and in fact, advises against it.
The procedure can expose babies to a potentially life-threatening infection. If the mother has a vaginal infection such as group B streptococcus, herpes, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, she could pass it to her baby. This could lead to infections such as neonatal sepsis, which is a serious blood infection.
Although rare, the risk is not worth the supposed benefits of vaginal seeding, especially when these benefits have yet to be scientifically proven.
ACOG recommends vaginal seeding only under one of two conditions:
- The mother is part of a clinical trial, where she will be under medical supervision.
- The mother has been made aware of all the risks involved in the practice. After understanding them thoroughly, she can decide whether to go ahead with the practice.
Is there a safer way to boost your baby’s microbiome?
ACOG suggests breastfeeding as a safer and the most effective way to boost your baby’s microbiome. This is because your baby receives 30% of their gut’s beneficial bacteria from your breast milk.
Cuddling can also help strengthen your baby’s immunity, because the skin around your breasts is a source of good bacteria for your baby.
SLIDESHOW
Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Some Moms Want to Give Their C-Section Babies a ‘Bacterial Baptism,’ But Experts Advise Caution. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-some-moms-are-giving-their-c-section-babies-a-bacterial-baptism-and-why-experts-urge-caution/
Shin H, Pei Z, Martinez KA 2nd, et al. The first microbial environment of infants born by C-section: the operating room microbes [published correction appears in Microbiome. 2016;4:4]. Microbiome. 2015;3:59.
Dominguez-Bello MG, De Jesus-Laboy KM, Shen N, et al. Partial restoration of the microbiota of cesarean-born infants via vaginal microbial transfer. Nat Med. 2016 Mar;22(3):250-253.
Top What Is Seeding After Birth? Related Articles
Childbirth Delivery Methods and Types
Learn about the pros and cons of various childbirth methods, such as the Bradley method, C-section, natural childbirth, water birth, Lamaze, and vaginal delivery. Read about birthing centers, hospital and home births, midwives, and doulas.
Babies Quiz
Take the Babies Quiz to learn what milestones and developments you can expect from your baby’s first year.
Baby Skin Care: Tips to Keep Newborn’s Skin Healthy
Baby skin care products can help with peeling, rashes, baby acne, and dryness that can develop on a newborn baby's skin. Develop a baby skin care routine to pamper your baby’s skin.
Newborn Skin Care
See what normal newborn skin looks like and learn how to care for it. WebMD shows you diapering and bathing tips.
Breastfeeding (and Formula Feeding)
It's important to know whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby prior to delivery, as the breasts' ability to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Breast milk is easily digested by babies and contains infection-fighting antibodies and cholesterol, which promotes brain growth. Formula-fed babies actually need to eat somewhat less often since formula is less readily digested by the baby than human milk. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of both forms of feeding.
Can You Have a Hysterectomy With C-Section?
Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may be performed during Cesarean delivery and is referred to as a Cesarean hysterectomy. It involves the removal of the uterus at the time of Cesarean delivery.
Childbirth Class Options
Childbirth class options include the Lamaze technique, the Bradley Method, the Alexander Technique, and HypnoBirthing.
How Can I Get My C-Section to Heal Faster?
Cesarean delivery is the surgical delivery of a baby by cutting open the belly and womb. It is a major abdominal surgery performed in situations where a normal vaginal delivery can be dangerous to the health of the mother or baby. The cesarean delivery scar is about a 2- to 3-inch scar over your bikini line.
Labor and Delivery
Early and later symptoms and signs of labor and delivery are unique to each woman. Early signs of labor are "lightning" and passing the mucus plug. Later symptoms and signs that labor that labor is are the woman's water breaking, and when contractions begin. There are three stages of labor, stage 1 is the longest and occurs when the cervix begins to thin and dilate. During stage 2 of labor the baby passes through the birth canal and remains there until delivery, and stage 3, is when the baby is delivered.Why Is Normal Delivery Not Possible After Cesarean Delivery?
A vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) is possible for many women, but it depends on many factors. Insisting on VBAC may put both you and your baby at risk; hence, you need to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
What Are the Risks of Natural Birth After C-Section?
Is a natural or vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) an option for you? Learn about the possible risks and factors that may affect your decision.
What Are the Side Effects of Cesarean Delivery?
Cesarean delivery is a surgery to deliver a baby through a surgical cut (incision) on the abdomen and uterus. It is generally a safe procedure for the mother and baby. There may, however, be a few risks to the health of the mother and baby. These risks are described below.What Is Better: Normal or Cesarean Delivery?
Delivery of a full-term newborn baby (37-42 weeks from the last menses of mother) through the vagina without the use of forceps or vacuum for assistance is called a normal delivery of a baby. It is the most preferred option of delivery in the United States, that is, almost two of every three deliveries are normal.