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The first care with the newborn’s umbilicus generates several doubts among mothers. There are concerns about bleeding from the baby’s navel, risks of infections and doubts about proper hygiene. The umbilical cord is a vital link between the mother and the baby when it is still in the belly, being responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to the child.
After birth, the cord is cut about two centimeters from the baby’s belly and requires some care , such as cleaning until it heals and the umbilical stump naturally falls.
Is bleeding normal?
Bleeding is a factor that causes concern and fear, however it is quite common, especially when the stump is close to healing .
When there is minor bleeding, it is important to intensify hygiene , to apply the dressing more times a day and if there is excess or purulent discharge, it is advisable to see a pediatrician.
The cleaning of the Navel Doi?
A very common fear when caring for the umbilical stump is the pain that can be caused in the baby. However, for the relief of mothers, the region is free of nervous tension , it can be cleaned without worry, as it is painless.
If the baby cries during care, it is due to the cold temperature of the alcohol when touching close to the skin. The umbilical stump is just a piece of cord that takes about 7 to 15 days to detach from the child’s belly.
Essential Care for Navel Hygiene
Proper hygiene is essential for rapid healing . It is recommended that cleaning is done up to three times a day with the aid of cotton or cotton swab dipped in 70% alcohol.
When bathing the baby the area can be washed normally with mild soap. As for doubts about the child’s crying when cleaning the navel, it is certain that the region does not cause pain, as already said, it does not have nerve endings. You can gently clean without worry.
IMPORTANT: it is not recommended to cover the baby’s navel with bands or straps. This habit can disrupt healing. Avoid leaving the diaper over your belly button, always fold it down.
Harmful Habits for Healing the Umbilical Stump
There are some customs and even beliefs that placing a coin in the navel helps to speed healing and prevent the umbilicus from bulging. This practice is not recommended , since the region needs to be free, free of moisture and naturally ventilated.
Umbilical swelling is caused by the formation of an umbilical hernia . When the baby tries to cry or evacuate, there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, because the region is very fragile, there may be the formation of a hernia.
Care Needed After Healing
Even with the fall of the stump, the daily cleaning of the region must continue. It is important to note that hygiene before and after healing should be done only with 70% alcohol.
Never apply other substances , such as merthiolate, antiseptic or mercury. These products can intoxicate the region and insinuate an inflammation, as in the case of mercury, because it has a reddish color.
Another recurrent situation in cases of falling of the umbilical stump is the discharge of secretions or small swelling . These symptoms are called umbilical granuloma and usually disappear with time, after the recommended care.
Inflamed Navel: What Are The Signs?
The discomfort in the umbilicus can be noticed by the mother if the region presents some symptoms, such as: purulent (whitish) discharge , redness or swelling, may indicate the presence of infections. When you notice these signs, seek the advice of a pediatrician immediately.
Long healing, what happens in these cases?
Some babies take longer for the umbilical stump to fall. This can occur because the navel is thicker or has a gel-like consistency, in which case the fall can happen up to 25 days after birth.
To help with healing it is extremely important to leave the area very dry and airy , in no way use bands or any object that may hinder natural ventilation.
What is omphalitis?
Omphalitis is a kind of infection that affects the baby’s belly button days after birth. It is common mainly in cases of poor hygiene , inadequate disinfection in the use of harmful products.
Dirty diapers for a long time, lack of hygiene at least twice a day, such as diapers or clothes that are too tight in the navel area are the main causes. Treatment for omphalititis is carried out after medical diagnosis and consists of prescription of antibiotics .
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My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
