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subject: How To Properly Care Of Your Baby's Umbilical Cord Stump [print this page]


How To Properly Care Of Your Baby's Umbilical Cord Stump

Caring for a newborn can be challenging. A woman may find it hard to adjust to her new role as a mother. While the infant is attempting to adjust to life outside the womb, a woman is also trying to cope with the demands of motherhood. Proper care for your newborn does not only involve feeding and changing diapers initially. You also need to take care of your baby's umbilical cord stump to promote healing.The sight of an umbilical cord stump may frighten most new parents. However, parents must not be afraid in handling it because with proper care, it can usually fall off within 1 and 2 weeks after birth. Stump care is primarily performed to prevent infection.The umbilical cord stump should slowly change from yellowish green, to brown then to black. It has been the common practice to apply alcohol to the infant's stump to promote drying. Nevertheless, current studies have revealed that it's much better to allow the stump alone to fall off. Cleaning can be performed if the stump is dirty or sticky. Clean the stump by using a cotton swab soaked in warm water and mild soap. After squeezing the excess water, wipe lightly the sides of the stump and the surrounding skin. After that, pat the region dry with a soft cloth.If the stump is kept dry, healing can occur faster. Your infant's diaper ought to be folded below the umbilical cord stump. It can stop contents from a soiled diaper to penetrate the stump. It's advisable to change baby diapers frequently to stop irritation. It may additionally be smart to dress your baby properly in warm weather to improve air circulation. Tub baths are additionally not recommended if the stump has not healed and fallen off. Sponge baths may be necessary at that time to promote drying. The use of creams, lotions and oils near the cord should be avoided. They may only slow drying and may also invite infection.The stump will slowly adjust color as it dries up. A dried stump can be gray, brown or black. Do not attempt to get rid of the stump even ifit is almost detached. Allow it to fall off on its own to decrease the chance of any complications. A blood-tinged fluid may ooze out of the navel after the stump has fallen off. That is absolutely normal and must not cause any concern. The navel area is expected to fully dry and heal within two weeks soon after falling off.Mothers and fathers should get in touch with their health care provider if they notice signs of infection. These involve pus around the base of the cord, redness and tenderness around the area, fever and fluid which continues to leak from the cord a few days after falling off. It is additionally not normal if the umbilical area produces a foul-smelling discharge since this may indicate an infection. You also need to reach your physician if you notice moistness and inflammation on your child's navel two weeks after falling off.Females, especially new moms, may feel inadequate in taking proper care of the umbilical cord stump. However with appropriate care, it will fall off after a few weeks. Discuss your concerns with your medical doctor so you can be guided accordingly.




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