**1.2 Rationale for studying vaginal seeding**

The rationale for studying vaginal seeding lies in the growing interest in understanding the potential impact of this practice on neonatal health outcomes. As the rates of cesarean section deliveries continue to rise globally, there is a need to explore interventions that could mitigate the potential differences in microbial exposure and associated health risks between infants born *via* C-section and those born vaginally [3–7].


5.Ethical considerations: Vaginal seeding raises ethical considerations regarding safety, informed consent, and equitable access to the intervention. Investigating vaginal seeding helps to address these ethical concerns and inform discussions surrounding the risks and benefits of the practice, ensuring that healthcare decisions are made in the best interest of the newborns and their families.

In summary, studying vaginal seeding is important to explore its potential to enhance the neonatal microbiome, mitigate health risks associated with C-section deliveries, and improve neonatal health outcomes. By understanding the rationale behind vaginal seeding and conducting rigorous research, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions and provide evidence-based recommendations to optimize neonatal care [7–9].
