RCM comments on BJOG research about vaginal seeding link to immunity of babies

By RCM on 23 August 2017 Vaginal Seeding

Today research has been published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology about the evidence around vaginal seeding.

Commenting on the research Louise Silverton, Director for Midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The whole issue is to ensure that the skin and gut of the newborn baby is colonised with "good" bacteria. For a vaginal birth this would occur naturally as the baby moves down the birth canal. Where a baby is born by caesarean section this does not occur. The idea of seeding was to correct this.

“This welcome research sheds light on this issue and gives midwives and other health professionals some clear evidence about this practice. Midwives will not recommend vaginal seeding because there is no evidence to support it.

 “We support the focus on advising mothers of other things that are known to have a positive impact on the colonisation of a baby’s gastrointestinal bacteria, such as early skin-to-skin contact with the mother and/or her partner, and breastfeeding and diet. 

“This is of course about women’s choice and what this new research will do is enable women to make a more informed choice.There is clearly a need for more research in this area and we look forward to further studies that can provide additional information for health professionals and for women.”

To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456, or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.

Ends

Notes to editors

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.