"we’ve all been waiting for you.
for you.
your arrival has been marked, has been recorded
on earth,
in the universe,
in the galaxies,
in all of space,
in all of time.
you come with a birthright, written in love and sung
through all creation in words which promise
that no matter where you’re at,
you’re home
that no matter who you’re with,
you’re welcome
that no matter who you are,
you’re loved.
welcome.”
~ rita ramsey"
Does your newborn really need a bath?
Study shows why to avoid artificial rupture of your membranes and the importance of not bathing your new baby right after birth.
Often called “Natures Cold Cream” vernix, the white creamy stuff most babies are born with, and amniotic fluid have similar immune enhancing properties as breast milk. We have known for a long time that t
he immunologic properties of breast milk are what truly set it apart from any other form of infant sustenance. The body of a newborn baby is very vulnerable and it does not have inborn defense mechanisms to protect itself from the environment outside of the womb.
This study shows that the extremely popular procedure of “artificial rupturing of membranes” can take away the amniotic fluid’s protective capability. This also holds true for bathing your baby in the first 24 hours after birth and not allowing the vernix to be absorbed into the baby’s skin.
Source: Pubmed central.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1595247
ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF AMNIOTIC FLUID AND VERNIX CASEOSA ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE FOUND IN BREAST MILK
- Akinbi, H. T., Narendran, V., Pass, A. K., Markart, P., & Hoath, S. B. (2004). Host defense proteins in vernix caseosa and amniotic fluid. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 191(6), 2090–2096.
Summary
In this study, researchers analyzed samples of amniotic fluid and vernix caseosa (vernix) from healthy, term gestations to determine the immune properties of these substances. Participants were pregnant women admitted for elective cesarean section after 37 weeks gestation with no prior labor and no signs of chorioamnionitis (intrauterine infection). Women with a history of prenatal fever or premature rupture of membranes, or who received steroids prenatally or antibiotics while giving birth were excluded, as were women whose babies passed meconium in utero, had congenital malformations, or required prolonged resuscitation after birth. Amniotic fluid was obtained by amniocentesis to determine fetal lung maturity prior to elective birth. Vernix was gently scraped from the newborn’s skin with a sterile implement immediately following birth. The researchers obtained 10 samples of amniotic fluid and 25 samples of vernix.
Tests (Western analysis and immunochemistry) revealed that lysozyme, lactoferrin, human neutrophil peptides 1–3, and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor were present in the amniotic fluid samples and in organized granules embedded in the vernix samples. These immune substances were tested using antimicrobial growth inhibition assays and found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of common perinatal pathogens, including group B. Streptococcus, K. pneumoniae, L. monocytogenes, C. albicans, and E. coli.
The authors point out that the innate immune proteins found in vernix and amniotic fluid are similar to those found in breast milk. As the baby prepares for extrauterine life, pulmonary surfactant (a substance produced by the maturing fetal lungs) increases in the amniotic fluid, resulting in the detachment of vernix from the skin. The vernix mixes with the amniotic fluid and is swallowed by the growing fetus. Given the antimicrobial properties of this mixture, the authors conclude that there is “considerable functional and structural synergism between the prenatal biology of vernix caseosa and the postnatal biology of breast milk” (p. 2095). They also suggest that better understanding of these innate host defenses may prove useful in preventing and treating intrauterine infection.
Significance for Normal Birth
Routine artificial rupture of membranes increases the likelihood of intrauterine infection because it eliminates the physical barrier (the amniotic sac) between the baby and the mother’s vaginal flora. This study suggests an additional mechanism for the prevention of infection when the membranes remain intact: A baby bathed in amniotic fluid benefits from antimicrobial proteins that are found in the fluid and in vernix caseosa.
The results of this study also call into question the routine use of some newborn procedures. Early bathing of the baby removes vernix, which contains antimicrobial proteins that are active against group B. streptococcus and E. coli. Delaying the bath and keeping the newborn together with his or her mother until breastfeeding is established may prevent some cases of devastating infections caused by these bacteria. The fact that preterm babies tend to have more vernix than babies born at or after 40 weeks might mean that healthy, stable preterm babies derive even greater benefit from staying with their mothers during the immediate newborn period.
Finally, this study illustrates how the normal physiology of pregnancy and fetal development is part of a continuum that extends beyond birth to the newborn period. The immunologic similarities between amniotic fluid, vernix, and breast milk provide further evidence that successful initiation of breastfeeding is a critical part of the process of normal birth.
Benefits of Kangaroo Mother Care:
- Mimics the environment of the womb - The baby has just been in a safe, enclosed, and warm environment. Wrapping a baby skin to skin mimics the familiar environment of the womb as the baby continues to receive touch, rhythm and pressure. Not only does the baby have a feeling of containment, but also the soothing and comforting sounds of his mother’s heart beat and breathing and rhythmic rocking that he was so accustomed to.
- Regulates body temperature - A mother has actual “thermal synchrony” with her infant. When a baby is placed in the kangaroo position, skin to skin with his mother, the temperature of the mother’s breasts actually change so that her baby can better maintain his own temperature. If the baby gets too cold the mother’s body temperature will actually warm up one degree to help warm the baby. If the baby gets too hot, the mother’s body temperature will decrease one degree to cool the baby. This even works when twins are kangarooed (Ludington-Hoe, 2004). Furthermore, the flexed position that the baby assumes on his mother’s chest as opposed to lying on his back in an incubator is a more efficient position for conserving heat.
- Enhances lactation, the prevalence, and the duration of breast-feeding - With easy access to the breast mothers experience easier let down, increased milk supply (Furman,2002). Mothers are more likely to breastfeed exclusively and have more success with prolonged nursing. (Figueroa de Leon)
- Enhances immunological protection - If the mother is breastfeeding her baby, she will raise antibodies in response to all of the microbes that they come in contact with and transfer them to the baby (Lawn, 2010). Some antibodies can even be transferred skin to skin (Telemo,1996). Touch is so important to the healthy development of an infant that a lack of touch, or separation of mother and newborn, actually causes high amounts of the toxic stress hormone cortisol to be released. High levels of cortisol in the blood and separation from mother may negatively impact immune function as the body may stop producing leukocytes.
- Lessens crying - Babies, both preterm and full-term, cry less when placed in skin to skin contact with their mothers. Decreased crying means less stress and subsequently lower levels of cortisol.
- Enhances growth/weight gain – High cortisol levels that result from mother baby separation has a negative impact on growth hormone. With mother present to help assist in regulating the baby’s breathing, heart rate, and temperature, the baby has decreased energy needs and can conserve his energy and calories and direct it toward growth. (Charpak, 1997). In an upright prone position babies also regurgitate less (Ludington-Hoe, 1993)
- Leads to shorter hospital stays – Babies that are practicing Kangaroo Care can have up to a 50% shorter hospital stay than babies who are not “kangarooed”. (Charpak,1997)
- Provides a buffer against over-stimulation – In an upright prone position babies tolerate noise and activity around them much better (Ludington Hoe, 1993). A typical NICU is a very busy place
- Supports arousal regulation - When held skin to skin with their mothers babies spend more time in a quiet alert state. When carried in mother’s arms the baby is in a safe place from which to view the world. It is from this safe known place that babies learn about the unknown. In a calm and alert state and in touch with mother, a baby is in the optimum state for observing and processing.
- Reduces apnea and uneven breathing - Kangaroo Care markedly decreases apnea episodes in preterm infants (Ludington,1998). When a baby is placed skin to skin on the chest of either parent there is usually an improvement in breathing patterns. The baby can hear the breathing and it stimulates the baby’s breathing so that the baby imitates the parent.(Ludington,1998)
- Stabilizes heart rate - Heart rate is actually more regular in babies under Kangaroo Mother Care (McCain, 2005). During KMC, bradycardia (low heart rate below 100) is markedly reduced and tachycardia (heart rates of 180or more) rarely occurs (Ludington-Hoe,1993). Babies’ cardio status stabilized faster after open heart surgery with Kangaroo Care (Gazollo, 2000). Heart rate is so important because baby’s brain requires a steady and consistent flow of blood to get the oxygen it needs to grow and perform properly.
- Relieves Stress Reactions – Babies deal with pain better and cry less in response to pain (for procedures such as heel sticks) while in Kangarooed (Kostandy, 2008).
- Improves neurobehavior - Preterm babies that were given many hours of KMC in the early weeks after birth, compared to those given little or no care, scored higher on mental and motor development tests in the first year of life (Charpak et al., 2005)
- Increases oxygenation of the baby’s body (Feldman, 2003).
- Assists in bonding process and builds attachment - increases maternal sensitivity, responsiveness and connectedness. (Dodd, 2005)
- Builds parent confidence and competence - Holding baby close reduces stress among parents and family (Feldman et al., 2002, 2003). Kangaroo Mother Care empowers parents as they feel that they can do something incredibly beneficial and positive for their preterm infants
- Helps parents play an active rather than passive role in their baby’s recovery
- Provides longer periods of restful sleep – Kangaroo Care when carried out in a low light, quiet environment with any baby, full or preterm, helps babies to remain more calm and transition from one sleep state to another (Ferber, 2004). Preterm babies were found to have spent more time sleeping during Kangaroo Care (Messemer, 1997).
- Saves lives- The latest studies show a 51 percent reduction in newborn mortality when babies (stable and less than 2 kg) were kangarooed within the first week after birth and breastfed by their mothers.(Lawn,2010)
- Plus, it is safe. Not one study has proven that it can hurt your baby.
(Source: sleepywrap.com)
"Not only is humor good for the mind, it’s good for the body, especially in labor. Laughter increases the level of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers and relaxers. It decreases levels of unwelcome stress hormones and relaxes muscles. Laughter is like an internal massage. As the ancient writings of Proverbs advise, ‘A cheerful spirit is health to the body and a strength to the soul.’ Bring a bit of humor to your birth.”
-From The Birth Book by William Sears, M.D. and Martha Sears, R.N."
Defiendo el derecho del bebé/niño a ser amamantado y de la madre a amamantar,a demanda,en cualquier lugar,sin miradas ni comentarios de desaprobación,y hasta que el niño lo desee. Defiendo los derechos del nacimiento,defiendo la maternidad consciente,defiendo la crianza con respeto,defiendo el paradigma del cuidado,y defiendo la necesidad de cambiar el mundo hacia el amor,la tolerancia,la empatía y la paz,comenzando por el principio!!!
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