"V*ginal Seeding" Has Nothing to Do with Gardening—and You Really Shouldn"t Try It

Listen up, preggo people.

“V*ginal seeding,” which has zero to do with planting flowers inside your labia, is gaining popularity with new moms.

An increasing number of women who deliver babies via C-sectionare trying out vaginal seeding, in which the newborn’s face, mouth, and eyes are slathered with Mom’s own vaginal fluid. The process can be done in the delivery room or at home, DIY-style.

While it sounds weird, it makes sense in theory: Babies are exposed to all different types of bacteria when they work their way down the birth canal, and scientists have found that many are good for the baby’s health. But those who are born by C-section aren’t exposed to that bacteria, leaving some moms worried that their kids might be missing out.

There seems to be some truth to the concept. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2010 found that babies born vaginally have microbiomes (a group of microorganisms in a particular environment) similar to those found in their mother’s v****a, while those who are born via C-section have microbiomes more similar to what’s found on their mother’s skin.

And so, seeding was, er, born.

But scientists don’t advise trying this at home—or in the delivery room. A new study published in the journal BMJ says vaginal seeding can expose the baby to harmful bacteria and pathogens that might result in a serious infection. “It might seem reasonable to perform this simple and cheap procedure, even without clear evidence of benefit, but only if we can be sure that it is safe,” the study’s researchers wrote. “We lack that certainty at present.”

Among the concerns: Babies could be exposed to group B streptococcus (a bacteria that can cause an infection that can be dangerous to babies) and the bacteria that cause chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes. These bacteria can be asymptomatic to women, so a mom could slather it all over her baby without realizing it, potentially harming her baby in the process.

Scientists haven’t completely ruled out vaginal seeding—a New York University School of Medicine study is currently looking into it—but unfortunately, the study won’t be finished until 2019. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to take a pass on the trend.

"V*ginal Seeding" Has Nothing to Do with Gardening—and You Really Shouldn"t Try It