Experts warn against micro birthing, a birth technique that could harm newborns.
The technique was designed to protect babies from asthma and allergies, according to The Daily Mail. It became a popular trend after a 2014 documentary called Microbirth came out.
It was revealed that babies born by cesarean did not receive protective bacteria from the birth canal to help their immune system. This raised the alarm, and many mothers in the UK called for “birth canal swabs” to put it on the baby’s eyes, face and skin after the C-section, the report said.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that this transfer helps the baby fight infection. In fact, doctors warn that babies can get sepsis and deadly infections.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, group B streptococcus and E. coli are some of the babies who may contract the procedure.
“This research should help reassure women who have had a cesarean section that the practice of vaginal sowing is unnecessary and there are other ways to help give your baby the best start in life,” Professor John Thorp of BJOG magazine, which published the Daily Mail study.
To reduce the risk, pregnant women should be screened for bacteria before birth. Doctors also suggest placing the baby on the mother’s skin and breastfeeding to stimulate the infant’s immune system.
