Caring for baby’s navel
BABIES receive nourishment and oxygen in the womb through the placenta, which is connected to the inner wall of the mother’s uterus. The placenta is connected to the baby by the umbilical cord through an opening in the baby’s abdomen(‘umbillicus’). The umbilical cord is the only channel of communication between the child and the mother during pregnancy. It has two arteries and one vein.
Blood moves from the baby through the umbilical cord to the placenta where any toxic substances are removed. The placenta then provides nourishment, oxygen and immunity to the developing baby via the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord therefore plays a vital role in the baby’s development and survival while in the uterus. Some toxic substances that can cross the placenta, for example alcohol, find their way to the child through the umbilical cord.
After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is no longer useful. It is clamped and cut close to the body in a painless procedure, leaving an umbilical stump. If left unclamped, serious complications can occur; the umbilical cord has blood vessels and the baby can bleed to death. The mother should check the umbilicus often to ensure that the clamp is still fastened in place.
The cord stump that is left needs to be cleaned daily. It will then wither and fall off. Poor care or neglect of the cord stump can create a source of infections to the baby.
Cleaning the umbilicus
The umbilicus or navel must be cleaned regularly. Regular cleaning will facilitate drying and falling off of the cord. If left unclean the cord can transfer infection from the outside to the baby’s internal organs.
When cleaning the umbilicus:
o Wash your hands before and after handling the stump. Ensure that you wash your hands in running water from a tap or poured from a jug. Do not use still water in a basin as bacteria is retained in the basin. You may transfer germs from your hands to the navel if you do not wash your hands.
o Use clean cotton balls — you can either buy or make these using cotton wool
o Clean the umbilicus using using cotton balls dipped in methylated spirit.
o Clean the area gently and systematically. Do not pull it.
o As you clean, inspect for any signs of infection, itching or rashes and any form of redness. Leave the area dry after cleaning.
o Bulging around the navel is normal and will soon go away.
o Wash your hands after the procedure. Throw away all the used cotton balls.
Probably you are afraid of hurting your baby, so you just dab the top. This does not give a thorough cleaning and can result in an infection. The key to proper cleaning is to push the stump up slightly and clean around the base. Don’t tug on it, but get below it for a thorough cleaning. You can then use a dry cotton ball or washcloth to dry the area, fan it with your hand or blow gently.
Clean the area three or four times a day or just make it a routine part of every diaper change for an easy way to remember. Continue this cleaning ritual for a few days after the cord falls off to ensure complete healing.
General care of the umbilicus
o Inspect and clean the navel daily until the stump falls off; this may take ten to twenty-one days after birth.
o Ensure that the stump clamp is always secure and that blood is not leaking from it.
o Ensure that you do not enclose the stump into the baby’s nappy. The urine may cause infection to the navel. When handling the baby, be gentle so that the cord stump is not pulled or pressure applied to it.
o The infant’s navel area should not be submerged in water during bathing until the stump has dried and fallen off.
o Exposing the stump to air allows it to dry at its base so that it falls off faster. Avoid the irritation that comes from a wet or soiled diaper.
o The withering stump will go through colour changes, from yellow to brown or black. This is normal. If the navel area becomes red or if a foul odour or discharge develops seek medical advice immediately.
o Never try to pull out the cord. Let it heal slowly.
Myths about the umbilicus
o Certain myths on caring for the stump are ridiculous, for example, tying a coin on the stump so that the baby does not develop a protruding stump. This will not help and worse still, the coin can be a source of infection to the navel as the coin has been handled by many people.
When to consult your doctor
o When there is bleeding from the end of the cord or the area near the skin,
o When pus (a yellow or white discharge) starts forming or leaking.
o When the area around the navel starts swelling or turning red
o When there are signs that the area around the navel is painful to your baby.
END: PG 2/54