During pregnancy, a baby is kept alive through the umbilical cord, which gives the baby nourishment and oxygen from the mother’s blood. However, after the baby is born, the cord is no longer needed; but umbilical cord care is still important. The umbilical cord was a life-saving entity during the pregnancy and the decision about whether to donate or save the stem cells found in cord blood (blood left in the umbilical cord after birth) should be considered. It is after all these decisions have been made that umbilical cord care becomes an issue.
Umbilical cord care refers to the time after the birth of a baby when the cord is closed off, leaving behind a short tube of dead tissue. This stump usually falls off within two to three weeks of birth, but still requires particular umbilical cord care to make sure irritation and other problems do not arise. Special umbilical cord care must be taken since the umbilical cord may be a place for infection to enter the baby.
Here are a few tips to help with umbilical cord care after the birth of your baby:
- Keep the area clean
- Keep the area dry
- Keep close contact with your pediatrician
- Look for signs of infection
To ensure proper umbilical cord care, you should try to keep the umbilical cord area clean. In the past, parents were instructed to dab the cord stump with rubbing alcohol, but some debate about this practice has arisen due to some evidence that the stump may heal faster if left alone. Consult your pediatrician if you are unsure about what you should do for this part of umbilical cord care.
The umbilical cord will fall off faster if it is exposed to air and allowed to dry at its base. Keeping the front of your baby’s diaper folded down to keep the cord exposed also helps with this facet of umbilical cord care. Some brands of newborn diapers even come with special openings to help with the healing of the cord. Another idea to help with this part of umbilical cord care is to give your baby sponge baths instead of tub baths. Once the umbilical cord has fallen off, you can bathe your baby in a tub or sink.
The most important part of umbilical cord care is to watch for problems or abnormalities with the cord. Make sure you talk to your pediatrician if you are unsure about any aspect of your baby’s umbilical cord care.
Knowing and watching for signs of infection can help with umbilical cord care. You should watch for bleeding, swelling, or redness around the cord, yellowish pus, and for signs that the area is painful to your baby. Remember that it is normal to see a little crusted discharge or dried blood around the cord, but make sure you take proper precautions and watch carefully for anything abnormal.
Umbilical cord care is an important aspect to remember about your baby’s health. However, if you know the facts about umbilical cord care, you will know if something is wrong and if it needs to be checked by a pediatrician. With this information you can help make sure your baby is healthy and happy.
By Janelle Walker