Navel/ Umbilical cord care
Through out the
pregnancy the baby receives nourishment from it's mother through the umbilical
cord, which after birth is clamped and cut, leaving the umbilical stump. After
2-3 weeks the stump will dry out and drop off, leaving a small wound which may
take a few days to heal.
The stump should be kept clean and dry, and not beneath the diaper, where it
will be exposed to urine and moisture. Even after the stump has fallen off, try
and avoid exposing the wound to moisture until it has completely healed. Try and
get as much air as possible on the wound.
Many people in the past have cleaned the wound with rubbing alcohol, however new
research has shown that leaving it well alone help it heal faster. Although the
rubbing alcohol may kill bacteria, it may also kill the good bacteria,
that helps the stump dry out and fall off.
Signs of an affection:
-
The navel and surrounding area appears red and
swollen
-
Pus appears at the base of the stump
-
Your baby has a fever
If there is any sign of an infection, contact your doctor immediately.