The umbilical cord, serves as a connection between the mum and the baby while supplying oxygen and nutrients to the unborn child. After the baby is born, the cord is cut, clumped with a ligature or a plastic cord to prevent bleeding. You as a mum need to take care of the clumped part until it dries and falls off.
In case you are wondering, cutting and clumping is not painful as the umbilical cord has no nerves. So care for the stump well in the first 24 hours, ensure there's no bleeding and the stump will dry up in 7 to 21 days then take some more days to heal. During the healing process the stump will change colour from a white appearance to yellow then brown or black before falling off.
Caring For The Umbilical Stump
Cleaning the baby can prove to be a hard task. You are worried that the water will affect the ligature and consequently the healing of the stump. Use sponge baths and let the stump air dry and use alcohol swabs to clean the stump after diaper changes.
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Let The Stump Fall on It's Own and Don't Cover It Up With Diapers
Covering it with diapers hinders the drying and healing of the umbilical stump. You want to keep the area aerated, drying and free from diaper irritation and tugging. Fold the edge of the diaper facing downwards if you have to.
Always wash your hands before handling the baby's umbilical cord. If the stump gets soiled, be sure to clean it to avoid entry of disease causing microorganisms.
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