Umbilical Cord Care
The umbilical cord connects the fetus to oxygen and nutrient supplies in the uterus. Upon delivery, the baby no longer requires the connection, and the cord is cut and sealed with a plastic clamp. Following the severance, a short stump remains. It is attached to the baby's navel. The stump changes color after delivery, and as it shrivels and dries up, it turns from white-blue to black. The stump usually falls off within about two weeks after birth. Proper care of the navel helps prevent infection.
There are two accepted methods for caring for the navel
The dry method: that is the one recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It involves keeping the navel clean and dry until it naturally falls off. It does not involve the use of alcohol or any other disinfectants to expedite the drying or detachment of the navel. It is important to clarify that in this method, you bathe your baby as usual and dry the baby off with a towel, cloth diaper, or gauze. You do not use wet substances such as alcohol.
The wet method: cleaning the navel area with 70% alcohol solution two-three times a day.
Note
Note
It is crucial to wash your hands before touching the navel: maintaining overall hygiene, specifically handwashing, plays a vital role in preventing infections in the area. Therefore, maintaining the hygiene of those caring for the infant is crucial to reducing the risk of infection. It is specifically important to wash hands with soap and water and dry the hands properly.
Treating the navel in the neonatal ward of the hospital
In the hospital, you will receive an explanation regarding the treatment of the navel and keeping the area clean and ventilated. If you have any questions, ask the hospital staff or the Tipat Halav (Family Health Center) later.
Treating the navel at home
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1Washing hands before treating the naval and the area
Before each treatment, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and ensure they are properly dried. After treating the navel, it is essential to dispose of the gauze used to dry the area. If you use a cloth diaper, wash it before reuse.
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2Diapering
When diapering the baby, it is crucial to ensure that the navel remains outside the diaper. This way, the area will stay dry and properly ventilated. You can fold the front of the diaper in a way that prevents it from covering the navel, thereby preventing any contact between urine or feces and the navel.
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3Cleaning the navel and the area
It is important to always keep the navel clean. If it gets dirty due to contact with the baby’s secretions or becomes sticky, it is essential to clean it according to the method you have chosen. The dry method: use running water and dry with a clean cloth diaper or gauze. The wet method: use 70% alcohol solution.
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4Bathing
When bathing, there is no problem with getting the navel wet with water. However, afterwards it is very important to dry it and the area around it properly with a clean cloth diaper or gauze.
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5Navel falling off
The navel dries up and falls off naturally. You must not pull it to expedite the process.
Signs of navel infection
During the drying process, you may see a little blood around the navel's base - this is normal. In the event of redness, it may be an infection, and it is essential to seek medical assistance.
When you should seek medical assistance
Contact a pediatrician in any of the following cases:
- Fluid discharge around the navel that is not blood (such as pus secretion).
- Bad strong smell.
- In the event that the navel does not drop off after more than four weeks.
- Any other sign that seems unusual or suspicious.