I believe that the book "Your Amazing Newborn" by  Marshall H. Klaus, MD and
Phyllis H. Klaus discusses the fact that babies use the scent of amniotic
fluid on their hands to help locate the breast and this leads to more
effective breastfeeding in the early hours.  But the scent of the amniotic
fluid disappears if the baby is bathed!  I also read an article about the
protective effect of vernix on the skin, relating to protection from
pathogens in the hospital - another reason to delay the bath!

I know this idea of delaying the bath was discussed about two years ago - as
I was approaching the birth of my 3rd baby.  It was brought to our attention
that hospitals in the UK rarely give routine baths.  It seems to be another
US phenomenon.  You might want to check the archives in that time period.  I
included instructions in my birth plan to not bathe my baby until
breastfeeding was well established.

Sara Furr
breastfeeding advocate and volunteer

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