The Potential of 'Vaginal Seeding': Promising Results and Lingering Questions
A small clinical trial suggests that "vaginal seeding," the practice of exposing babies born by cesarean section to their parent's vaginal fluids after birth, may help restore the gut microbiomes of cesarean-born infants to resemble those of vaginally delivered babies. The study found that vaginal seeding was likely safe and effective in restoring the gut microbiome and potentially improving neurodevelopment in cesarean-born infants. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and address concerns about the safety and benefits of vaginal seeding.
