Stupid question, I'm sure...

[MissTapestry]

I'm watching an episode of Maternity Ward, and all of the babies have what looks like hairgel around their eyes after they've been cleaned up. Is this what happens naturally or do they get something put on their eyelids?

Probably should have namechanged for this

No they don't put anything on the babies eyes or skin... The skin has a whiteish coating from the womb... It's good for the baby, protects the skin.

When you say cleaned up... They don't bath the babies or anything just rub them with a towel.

Well yeah, I know they don't hose them down or anything, but the babies they showed came out covered in blood etc, then they showed them looking cleaner but with this clear gunk all around their eyes.

Is this an american program? I think they put a antibacterial gel on their eyes in the U.S.

firsttimemama I think you might be right I'm sure there is something in 'What to expect when your expecting' about a treatment for babies eyes, and that is an American book with just a few changes to cater for UK market.

Yes, all the American birth programmes the babies have this gel, but this is not practiced in the UK.

Aha! Yes it is an American programme, the doctors are very touchy feely as well, which would make me want to break their fingera even now, so god knows how annoying I'd find all the hair stroking during labour!

Fingera?? What the he'll is that autocorrect
Fingers, obviously!