Caring for your newborn's umbilical cord
IN THIS ARTICLE
What's an umbilical cord stump?
How long can my baby have an umbilical cord stump?
How do I pay attention of an umbilical cord stump?
What are the signs of an umbilical cord stump infection?
What's an umbilical cord stump?
Babies within the uterus receive nourishment and oxygen through the placenta, that is connected to the inner wall of the mother's female internal reproductive organ. The placenta is connected to the baby by the umbilical cord, that attaches to the baby through a gap within the baby's abdomen.
After your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut near your baby's body. it is a painless procedure. And it leaves a duct stump hooked up to your baby's belly button.
How long can my baby have an umbilical cord stump?
The stump can dry up and drop off in between seven to twenty one days, leaving behind a little wound which will take a couple of days to heal.
How to take care of your newborn's umbilical cord stump
For the first few weeks of your baby's life, you will need to stay the umbilical stump clean and dry.
When the stump falls off, you will notice a trifle blood on the diaper – don't fret, it's traditional. Sometimes, when the stump falls off, there is some emptying of clear or yellow fluid, and a few bits of lumpy flesh might stay.
These "umbilical granulomas" might disappear on their own, or they'll got to be treated by your child's doctor. however they don't seem to be serious and do not contain nerves, therefore if treatment is important, it will be painless for your baby.
How do I pay attention of an umbilical cord stump?
Until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off:
Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry. Fold your baby's diaper far from the stump (or purchase newborn diapers with a cut-out area for the stump). This exposes the stump to the air and prevents contact with water.
Give your baby sponge baths rather than tub baths.
If the weather is hot, have your baby wear a simple a diaper and loose tee shirt to let air flow into and speed the drying method.
Avoid dressing your baby in bodysuit-style undershirts.
Never try to tear off the stump, even though it appears to be hanging by a thread.
Don't use alcohol to scrub the stump. The United States Academy of medical specialty (AAP) experts in umbilical cord suggests cleaning the bottom of the stump daily with a cotton swab soaked in application. However, researchers have found that untreated cords heal quicker than alcohol-swabbed cords and carry no additional risk of infection, therefore the AAP modified its recommendation.
What are the signs of an umbilical cord stump infection?
Infections are rare, however consult your baby's doctor if:
Your baby cries after you touch the duct or the skin next to that.
The skin around the base of the duct is red.
The stump smells foul or features a yellow discharge.
Also See the doctor if the stump bleeds endlessly, as this might be a symptom of a bleeding disorder.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbilical_cord
