Lanugo serves an important purpose: It helps to hold the vernix caseosa, a thick white substance that surrounds your baby, in place. Also known simply as vernix, this covering protects your baby's ...

Swollen genitals, vernix (a waxy coating), or elongated skulls from birth are all typical and temporary. Charlie adds, "Some baby girls can have a small bleed or a discharge from their vagina.

NAINR. 2014;14(4):166-170. In addition to hygiene, the initial bath of the baby also removes blood and body fluids which could contaminate health care workers or others in contact with the baby.