Umbilical Cord Clamp Cutter? The 127 Detailed Answer

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord is the lifeline from the baby to the pregnant woman. But it is no longer needed once the baby is born. Within minutes of birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut near the navel. The clamp helps stop bleeding from the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. As part of a baby’s first aid, medicine is sometimes applied to the umbilical cord. This can be a purple dye or some other type of antiseptic. But it is now recommended to keep the cord dry (dry cord care).

When the baby comes home from the hospital, the umbilical cord begins to dry and wither. The clamp can be removed when the cable is completely dry. The cord will usually fall off on its own after about 2 to 3 weeks. It takes longer for some babies. Because the umbilical cord can be a place for infections to enter the baby’s body, it’s important to take proper care of it.

The decision to delay cord clamping after birth can improve a newborn’s health.

OB/GYN Courtney Barnes, MD, explains the benefits of this simple change in the birthing process.

What is delayed cord lock?

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta. The placenta allows nutrients and oxygen to pass from the mother to the baby. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is still connected from the baby’s belly button to the placenta, and nutrient-rich blood remains in the umbilical cord and placenta.

Delayed cord clamping means that doctors do not immediately clamp and cut the umbilical cord. Instead, they give the blood in the umbilical cord and placenta extra time to flow to the baby. Eventually, the placenta, also called the afterbirth, detaches from the uterus and is also born. The baby then receives oxygen through its lungs and nourishment from breast milk.

“Until recently, hospitals clamped and cut the umbilical cord as soon as the baby was born,” says Barnes. “By delaying the clamping of the umbilical cord, more blood flows from the umbilical cord and placenta to the baby.”

Delayed cord clamping is now standard at MU Health Care for most deliveries. Here’s why:

Courtney Barnes, MD

1. It reduces the risk of anemia

“In full-term babies, delayed cord clamping increases the baby’s blood volume and iron stores,” says Barnes. “Since iron is poorly passed into breast milk, this extra iron helps prevent anemia.”

Anemia is a condition characterized by low red blood cell volume. An increased red blood cell count can lead to better development as the baby grows.

2. For premature babies, the benefits are even greater

Premature babies are at risk for serious health problems, and an extra boost of healthy blood from the umbilical cord can help lower that risk.

According to Barnes, delaying umbilical cord clamping in preterm infants has been shown to reduce the number of blood transfusions required and the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (a serious complication affecting a preterm infant’s intestines) and interventricular hemorrhage (a bleeding in the baby’s brain). decreases which can cause lifelong neurological problems).

3. It can be done with a cesarean section

Because cord clamping can be done after the placenta is removed from the mother’s uterus, there is no additional risk for the mother or child of delaying cord clamping after a cesarean section.

“Because it’s often quite chilly in the operating room, extra care has to be taken to keep the babies warm,” says Barnes.

4. It is a very safe procedure

There are very few risks associated with delayed cord clamping for healthy mothers and babies.

“The main risk of delayed cord clamping is that the increased blood volume can lead to jaundice,” says Barnes. “Since all babies are monitored for jaundice, this is one complication that we could detect.”

Treatment for jaundice is to place the baby under a light, which helps break down excess bilirubin in the blood.

When to Avoid Delayed Line Clamping

“There are a few reasons why delayed line locking should be avoided,” says Barnes. “For example, delayed umbilical cord clamp is not recommended in women with an abnormal placenta, women who are bleeding, or babies who are about to give birth and need immediate medical care.”

In these cases, doctors immediately clamp the umbilical cord to focus on the health of both the mother and child.

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Cutting the umbilical cord can be a joyful moment in a person’s life – symbolically breaking the connection from the baby’s inner world in the womb to extrauterine life. People have given a lot of thought to how this can be done in recent years, and more and more mothers and their partners have decided to take part in the birth.

What is an umbilical cord?

The umbilical cord, which is the connection between your baby and the placenta, is usually made up of two arteries and a vein and is covered in a thick gelatinous substance known as Wharton’s jelly. The main function of the umbilical cord is to carry oxygen and nutrients from mother to baby and to carry waste from the baby to the mother through the placenta.

The umbilical cord begins to form early in pregnancy, around the fifth week of pregnancy, and grows to an average of 22 to 24 inches in length. Antibodies also pass through the umbilical cord in the late stages of your pregnancy. These benefit the baby’s immune system after birth.

Why and when is it cut?

As soon as your baby is born, the blood vessels in the umbilical cord begin to close. This cuts off blood flow between the baby and the placenta. The placenta then separates from the uterus and is delivered.

In the past, the umbilical cord was clamped and cut immediately before the placenta was born. However, over the past decade, new research has shown that delayed cord clamping has benefits for both preterm and full-term babies, including:

Increases hemoglobin levels at birth

Improves iron stores in the first months of life

Improved transitional circulation

Better determination of red blood cell volume

Decreased need for blood transfusions in preterm infants

Lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage, two complications in preterm infants

However, there are also several risks associated with delayed line locking, including:

Hyperbilirubinemia, a form of jaundice

Polycythemia, which occurs when there is an excess of red blood cells in circulation

Shortness of breath, which occurs when there is not enough fluid in the lungs after birth to keep the airways open

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends waiting at least 30 to 60 seconds after birth before clamping the umbilical cord.

Steps to cut the umbilical cord

Sometimes a mother decides to cut the umbilical cord, or the partner or another loved one may do so. This process works the same no matter who cuts the cord. Your birth team or doula will be there with you.

Remember that the mother and baby cannot feel the umbilical cord being cut.

The practitioner will be assured that the cord has stopped pulsing (usually). 

 You will attach two clamps to the cord.

Hold the section of cord to be cut with a piece of gauze underneath. The gauze prevents excess blood from splattering.

Using sterile scissors, cut between the two clamps. Remember that the cable is thick and difficult to cut.

Dab off the excess blood. (The amount of blood depends on how long you wait to cut the umbilical cord, the longer you wait the less blood.)

Put the scissors away or give them back to whoever gave them to you.

More considerations

While delayed clamping is recommended for most deliveries, it may not be possible in certain situations:

Number 814 (replacing Committee Opinion 684, January 2017) Committee on Obstetric Practice The American College of Nurse-Midwives endorses this document. This Committee Opinion was prepared by the Obstetrics Committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in collaboration with Committee members Maria A. Mascola, MD; T. Flint Porter, MD; and Tamara Tin-May Chao, MD. INTERMEDIATE UPDATE: The content of this Committee Opinion has been appropriately highlighted (or removed where necessary) updated to reflect a limited, targeted change in data and language in relation to umbilical milking.

SUMMARY: Delayed cord clamping appears to be beneficial for term and preterm infants. In term infants, delayed cord clamping increases hemoglobin levels at birth and improves iron stores in the first few months of life, which may be beneficial to developmental outcomes. There is a small increase in the incidence of jaundice requiring phototherapy in term infants undergoing delayed cord clamping. Consequently, obstetrician-gynecologists and other obstetricians who use delayed cord clamping in term infants should ensure mechanisms are in place to monitor and treat neonatal jaundice. In preterm infants, delayed umbilical cord clamping is associated with significant neonatal benefits, including improved transitional circulation, better establishment of red blood cell volume, reduced need for blood transfusion, and reduced incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage. Delayed cord clamping was not associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage or increased blood loss at delivery, nor with a difference in postpartum hemoglobin levels or the need for blood transfusion. Given the benefits for most newborns, and in agreement with other professional bodies, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends postponing umbilical cord clamping in vigorous and preterm infants for at least 30-60 seconds after birth. The ability to provide delayed cord clamping may vary by facility and environment; Decisions in these circumstances are best made by the team caring for the mother-child dyad.

Recommendations The Committee on Obstetric Practice of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists makes the following recommendations on the timing of cord clamping after birth: In term infants, delayed cord clamping increases hemoglobin levels at birth and improves iron stores in the first few months of life Birth Life, which can have a positive impact on developmental outcomes.

Delayed umbilical cord clamping is associated with significant neonatal benefits in preterm infants, including improved transitional circulation, better establishment of red blood cell volume, reduced need for blood transfusion, and reduced incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Given the benefits for most newborns, and in agreement with other professional bodies, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends postponing umbilical cord clamping in vigorous and preterm infants for at least 30-60 seconds after birth.

There is a small increase in the incidence of jaundice requiring phototherapy in term infants undergoing delayed cord clamping. Consequently, obstetricians-gynecologists and other obstetricians who use delayed cord clamping in term infants should ensure mechanisms are in place to monitor and treat neonatal jaundice.

Delayed cord clamping does not increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Introduction Prior to the mid-1950s, the term early clamping was defined as cord clamping within 1 minute of birth and late clamping as cord clamping more than 5 minutes after birth. A number of small studies of changes in blood volume after birth reported that 80–100 mL of blood was transferred from the placenta to the newborn in the first 3 minutes after birth 1 2 and up to 90% of this blood volume was transferred within the first few breaths in healthy term infants 3. Because of these early observations and the lack of specific recommendations regarding optimal timing, the interval between delivery and cord clamping has gradually been shortened, and it has become common practice to clamp the umbilical cord shortly after delivery Birth, usually within 15-20 seconds. However, recent randomized controlled trials of term and preterm infants, as well as physiological studies of blood volume, oxygenation, and arterial pressure, have evaluated the effects of immediate versus delayed cord clamping (usually defined as cord clamping at least 30–60 seconds after birth) 4 5. A delayed Clamping the umbilical cord appears to be beneficial for term and preterm infants. In term infants, delayed cord clamping increases hemoglobin levels at birth and improves iron stores in the first few months of life, which may be beneficial to developmental outcomes. Rates of intraventricular hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis are lower in preterm infants, and fewer neonates require a transfusion when delayed cord clamping is used. This growing body of evidence has led a number of professional organizations to recommend delayed cord clamping for term and preterm infants. For example, the World Health Organization recommends that the umbilical cord be clamped no sooner than 1 minute after birth in term or preterm infants who do not require positive pressure ventilation. Recent guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommend delayed cord clamping for at least 30 to 60 seconds for most vigorous and preterm infants. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also recommends postponing umbilical cord clamping in healthy and preterm infants for at least 2 minutes after birth. In addition, the American College of Nurses–Midwives recommends delayed cord clamping for term and preterm infants for 2–5 minutes after birth 6. The universal implementation of delayed cord clamping has been a cause for concern. Delay in clamping the umbilical cord when needed can delay timely resuscitation efforts, particularly in preterm infants. However, because the placenta continues to perform gas exchange after birth, sick and preterm infants are likely to benefit most from the additional blood volume gained from continued placental transfusion. Another concern is that a delay in clamping the umbilical cord could increase the potential for an excessive placental transfusion. So far there is no evidence in the literature of an increased risk of polycythemia or jaundice; However, in some studies there is a slightly higher rate of jaundice that meets criteria for phototherapy in term infants. Given the benefits for most newborns, and in agreement with other professional bodies, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends delaying umbilical cord clamping for at least 30-60 seconds after birth in vigorous and preterm infants.

Outcomes in neonates Physiological studies in term infants have shown that approximately 80 mL of blood is transferred from the placenta 1 minute after birth and approximately 100 mL is reached by 3 minutes after birth 7 8 9 . The neonate’s initial breaths appear to facilitate these Placental transfusion 10. A recent study of umbilical cord blood flow patterns assessed by Doppler ultrasound during delayed cord clamping 11 showed a marked increase in placental transfusion during the neonate’s first breaths, presumably due to negative intrathoracic pressure generated by lung inflation. This additional blood provides physiological iron levels of 40-50 mg/kg body weight. This extra iron has been shown to reduce and prevent iron deficiency in the first year of life 12. Iron deficiency in infancy and childhood has been associated with impairment in cognitive, motor, and behavioral development that may be irreversible 13. Iron deficiency in childhood is particular markedly widespread in low-income countries, but is also common in high-income countries, where rates range from 5 % to 25 % 13. A longer duration of placental transfusion after birth also facilitates the transfer of immunoglobulins and stem cells necessary for Tissues and tissues are essential to organ repair. Immunoglobulin and stem cell transfer may be particularly beneficial following cellular injury, inflammation, and organ dysfunction common to preterm birth 14 15. The extent of these benefits requires further investigation, but this physiological reservoir of hematopoietic and pluripotent stem cell lines may have therapeutic effects and benefits for the infant later in life have 16.

Clinical trials in preterm infants A 2012 systematic review of the timing of umbilical cord clamping in preterm infants analyzed the results of 15 eligible trials involving 738 infants born between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation 4 . This review defined delayed cord clamping umbilical cord as a delay of more than 30 seconds, with a maximum of 180 seconds, and included some studies that used umbilical cord milking in addition to delayed cord clamping. Delayed umbilical cord clamping was associated with fewer infants requiring a transfusion for anemia (seven studies, 392 infants; relative risk [RR] 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-0.81). There was a lower incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (ultrasonographic diagnosis, all grades) (10 studies, 539 infants; RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41-0.85) and necrotizing enterocolitis (five studies, 241 infants; RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.43-0.90) compared to immediate cord clamping. Peak bilirubin levels were higher in infants in the delayed cord clamp group, but there was no statistically significant difference in the need for phototherapy between the groups. No clear differences between the groups were found for the endpoints infant death, severe (grade 3–4) intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia; However, many studies were affected by incomplete reporting and wide confidence intervals. Outcome after hospital discharge was reported in a small study that reported no significant differences between groups in mean Bayley II scores at 7 months of age (corrected for gestational age at birth and with 58 infants ) 4. In another study, delayed cord clamping in infants born before 32 weeks gestation was associated with improved motor function at corrected ages of 18–22 months 17.

Clinical trials in term infants A 2013 Cochrane review evaluated the effect of timing of cord clamping on term neonate outcomes in 15 clinical trials involving 3,911 women and their only children 5 . This analysis defined early cord clamping as Clamping less than 1 minute after birth and late cord clamping as clamping more than 1 minute or when cord pulsation stops. The reviewers found that neonates in the early cord clamp group had significantly lower hemoglobin concentrations at birth (weighted mean difference, -2.17 g/dL; 95% CI, -4.06 to -0.280) and 24-48 hours postpartum (mean difference -1.49 g/dL; 95% CI, -1.78 to -1.21). In addition, infants exposed to early cord clamp were more likely to be iron deficient than the late cord clamp group at 3 to 6 months of age (RR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.04 to 6.73). There was no difference in the rate of polycythemia between the two groups, nor were the overall rates of jaundice different, but jaundice requiring phototherapy was less common in neonates with early cord clamping (2.74% of infants in the early cord clamp versus 4.36% in the late cord clamp group; RR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41-0.96). However, the authors concluded that given the benefit of delayed cord clamping in term infants, delayed cord clamping is overall beneficial provided the obstetrician-gynecologist or other obstetrician is able to monitor jaundice and to treat. The long-term effects of delayed cord clamping have been examined in a limited number of studies. In a single cohort assessed at ages 4 months to 4 years 13 18 19 , neurodevelopmental scores did not differ by timing of umbilical cord clamping in patients aged 4 months and 12 months. At age 4, children in the early cord clamp group had slightly lower scores on social and fine motor skills compared to the delayed cord clamp group 13.

Maternal outcomes Immediate cord clamping has traditionally been performed in conjunction with other active management strategies in the third stage of labor to reduce postpartum hemorrhage. As a result, concerns have arisen that delaying umbilical cord clamping may increase the risk of maternal hemorrhage. However, recent data do not support these concerns. In a review of five studies involving more than 2,200 women, delayed cord clamping was not associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage or increased blood loss at birth, nor with a difference in postpartum hemoglobin levels or the need for a blood transfusion 5. However, if an increased If there is a risk of bleeding (e.g., placenta previa or placental abruption), the benefits of delayed cord clamping must be weighed against the need for timely hemodynamic stabilization of the woman Table 1.

Procedure and Technique of Delayed Cord Clamping Delayed cord clamping is a simple procedure that allows warm, oxygenated blood to flow passively into the newborn through the placental transfusion. The position of the neonate during delayed cord clamping was generally at or below the level of the placenta based on the assumption that gravity facilitates placental transfusion 20 21 placed on the mother’s abdomen or chest did not have a lower transfusion volume compared to infants , which were held at the level of the introitus 22. During a cesarean section, the newborn may be placed on the mother’s abdomen or legs, or may be held near the level of the placenta by the surgeon or assistant until the umbilical cord is clamped. During delayed cord clamping, early infant care should be started, including drying and stimulating for the first breath or crying, maintaining a normal temperature through skin-to-skin contact, and covering the infant with dry bedding. Secretions should only be removed if they are copious or appear to be obstructing the airway. If meconium is present and the baby is strong at birth, plans for delayed cord clamping can proceed. The Apgar timer can be useful to monitor elapsed time and allow an interval of at least 30-60 seconds between delivery and cord clamp. Delayed cord clamping should not interfere with active management of the third stage of labor, including the use of uterotonic agents after delivery of the newborn to minimize maternal bleeding. If the placenta perfusion is not intact, e.g. B. in abnormal placentation, placental abruption or umbilical cord tear, immediate umbilical cord clamping is appropriate. Similarly, maternal hemodynamic instability or the need for immediate neonatal resuscitation on the warmer would be indicative of immediate cord clamping. The ability to provide delayed cord clamping may vary by facility and environment; Decisions in these circumstances are best made by the team caring for the mother-child dyad. There are several situations where data is limited and decisions about the timing of umbilical cord clamping should be made on an individual basis Table 1. For example, in cases of fetal growth restriction with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler studies, or other situations involving uteroplacental perfusion or cord flow may be compromised, discussion between neonatal and obstetric teams can help weigh the relative risks and benefits of immediate or delayed cord clamps. The data are somewhat conflicting regarding the effect of delayed cord clamping on cord pH measurements. Two studies suggest a small but statistically significant decrease in umbilical artery pH (approximately 0.03 decrease with delayed umbilical cord clamping) 23 24. However, a larger study of 116 infants found no difference in umbilical cord pH and an increase in umbilical artery pO 2 levels in infants with delayed umbilical cord clamping 25. These studies included infants who did not require resuscitation at birth. Whether the effect of delayed cord clamping on cord pH in frail infants would be similar is an important question that requires further investigation.

Milking the Umbilical Cord Milking, or stripping, of the umbilical cord is considered a method of achieving increased placental transfusion to the newborn in a short time frame, usually less than 10-15 seconds. It is particularly attractive in situations where the 30-60 second delay in clamping the umbilical cord may be too long, e.g. when immediate infant resuscitation is required or maternal hemodynamic instability occurs. However, umbilical cord milking has not been studied as thoroughly as delayed cord clamping. A recent meta-analysis 26 of seven studies involving 501 preterm infants compared umbilical cord milking to immediate cord clamping (six studies) or delayed cord clamping (one study). The method of umbilical cord milking varied significantly in the trials with respect to the number of times the umbilical cord was milked, the length of the umbilical cord milked and whether the umbilical cord was clamped before or after milking. The analysis revealed that infants in the umbilical milking groups had higher hemoglobin levels and a lower incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage without an increase in adverse events. A subgroup analysis directly comparing umbilical cord milking with delayed umbilical cord clamping could not be performed due to the small number in these groups. Several subsequent studies have been published. A 2015 study in term infants that compared delayed cord clamping versus cord milking found that the two strategies had similar effects on hemoglobin and ferritin levels 27. Another 2015 study, in which infants born before 32 were studied, cord milking was associated with higher hemoglobin levels and improved blood pressure compared to those in the delayed cord clamping group, but the differences were not observed in the vaginal births 28 . Long-term (aged of 2 years and 3.5 years) neurodevelopment Results evaluated in a small study showed no difference between preterm infants exposed to delayed umbilical cord clamping compared to umbilical cord milking 29 . A 2019 study on milking the Umbilical cord was presented with 474 infants included Itig aborted because extremely preterm infants (23–27 weeks of gestation) in the umbilical cord milking arm developed more intraventricular hemorrhage compared to with similar infants in the delayed cord clamping group 30. In view of these recent data, umbilical cord milking should not be performed in extremely preterm infants (less than 28 weeks gestation) and there is insufficient evidence to support or refute umbilical cord milking infants born at 32 weeks gestation or longer, including term infants.

Multiple Pregnancies Many of the clinical trials evaluating delayed cord clamping did not include multiple pregnancies; consequently, there is little information regarding its safety or effectiveness in this group. Since multiple pregnancies increase the risk of preterm birth with inherent risks for the newborn, these newborns could particularly benefit from delayed cord clamping. Theoretical risks exist for adverse hemodynamic changes during delayed cord clamping, particularly in monochorionic multiple pregnancies. There is currently insufficient evidence for or against delayed cord clamping in multiple pregnancies.

Effect on the cord blood bank The effect of delayed cord blood clamping on the collection of cord blood for the bank was recently studied in a public cord blood bank (31). The authors found that delayed cord clamping significantly reduced the volume and total number of nucleated cells of cord blood donations. The proportion of units meeting the initial screening criteria decreased significantly from 39% with immediate cord clamping to 17% in cases experiencing a 60-second delay in cord clamping. In cases where a patient and family plan to donate cord blood, immediately clamping the cord blood may increase the yield of cord blood collected. However, in the absence of a targeted donation, the benefits of transfusing an additional volume of blood to the child at birth likely outweigh the benefits of accumulating that volume for possible future use. Families considering cord blood storage should be counseled accordingly.

Future Research Although many randomized controlled trials involving term and preterm infants have compared the benefits of delayed cord clamping versus immediate cord clamping, the ideal timing for cord clamping in certain circumstances warrants further investigation. For example, infants who require resuscitation can benefit significantly from a placental transfusion, but their need for immediate attention raises questions about whether they should undergo immediate or delayed cord clamping and whether cord milking may offer a unique benefit. The feasibility of bedside resuscitation with intact placental perfusion is also an important question. The optimal timing of uterotonic agents postpartum in relation to cord clamping needs further investigation, as does optimal practice in multiple pregnancies and pregnancies with risk factors for neonatal polycythemia. Finally, the value of improved stem cell and plasma transfusion in the context of delayed cord clamping in terms of immediate and long-term immunity, host defense and repair is another important area for future research.

As a parent of a newborn, I’m sure you’ll want to know about umbilical cord care, including how to keep your baby’s umbilical cord stump dry until it falls off, how to recognize the signs of infection, and when to call your doctor. Read on to learn all of this and more.

What is the umbilical cord stump and when does it fall off?

The umbilical cord carries nutrients and oxygen to your baby in the womb. Shortly after your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. Your baby would not feel this because the umbilical cord does not contain nerves.

The clamp is typically held in place for 24 to 48 hours. It is removed once the remnants of the umbilical cord have dried and stopped bleeding.

After removing the clamp, a small stump will remain on your little one’s tummy. As the umbilical cord stump dries, shrinks, and hardens, it changes from a yellow color to a brownish black.

The umbilical cord stump usually falls off within a few weeks after your baby is born. Contact your baby’s doctor if it didn’t fall off when your little one is 2 months old.

In some cases, there may be an underlying cause for the umbilical cord stump not falling off, such as: B. an infection or a disorder of the immune system, which your doctor will examine.

After the stump falls off, the skin underneath should heal. Sometimes the skin can be a little rough and a little liquid can leak out. Keep your little one’s belly button dry and clean and it should heal completely soon. Contact your doctor if it hasn’t healed within two weeks of the stump falling off.

How to care for and clean the umbilical cord stump

The key is to keep the residual limb area clean and dry. It may be most convenient to clean your child’s residual limb when you change their diaper or when you bathe them.

Here are some tips for caring for the umbilical cord:

Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry. Experts recommend “dry umbilical cord care,” which means allowing air to reach the stump of the umbilical cord and not covering it with water or ointments. You may have heard of dabbing rubbing alcohol on the stump, but these days experts are more likely to recommend letting it go. Ask your doctor for advice if you are not sure what to do.

prevent irritation. Try to prevent your newborn’s diapers from rubbing against the stump by folding the top of the diaper under the umbilicus or choosing a disposable diaper with a cut-out notch at the top. Pampers swaddlers, for example, have this feature.

Check for signs of infection. Clear fluid oozing from the stump, drops of blood, and scabbing may be normal, but if you notice any signs of an infected umbilical stump or if your baby has a fever, tell your doctor right away.

Don’t pull at the stump. Allow the umbilical cord stump to fall off on its own rather than plucking or pulling it even if it’s hanging down. It will fall off in due course.

Watch out for bleeding. A few drops of blood when the stump falls off is normal. If there is heavy bleeding, contact your baby’s doctor.

Do not tape or cover the navel area with a coin. Contrary to what you may have heard, taping the navel area or placing a coin will not help change the shape of your child’s belly button and may even cause damage. Consult your baby’s doctor if you’re concerned about the shape of your baby’s belly button or if you suspect your little one may be suffering from a medical condition such as an umbilical hernia.

Bath time and umbilical cord care

Until the stump falls off and your baby’s belly button has healed, it’s best to stick to the sponge bath so you don’t soak the stump in water. You don’t have to bathe your baby with a sponge every day; Two to three times a week is usually sufficient.

You may also want to use the sponge bath to gently clean the umbilical cord stump.

To give your little one a sponge bath, prepare everything you need

a bowl of warm water

a washcloth

baby soap

a damp cotton swab or cotton ball

towels

a fresh diaper

Dress.

Place your baby on a padded, flat surface — like the changing pad on the changing table or on the floor on a soft towel — with your essentials within easy reach. Never leave your baby unattended during the sponge bath; If it is on an elevated surface such as B. the changing table, keep the seat belt fastened and always hold them tight.

Keep your little one covered with a towel to keep them warm and only show the body parts that will be washed. Start with her face and use the damp washcloth but no soap so you don’t get soap in her eyes. Then add soap to the water and continue to gently cleanse the rest of her body, especially the skin folds around her neck, ears and genitals.

For the umbilical cord stump area, follow the umbilical cord care tips listed above. You can use a damp cotton ball or swab to clean the skin around the stump, being careful not to get the stump itself wet.

Once the cord has fallen off, you can bathe your baby in a baby bath tub or in the sink.

Change baby’s diaper and protect the umbilical cord stump

You can read about how to change a diaper here, but remember that you need to be extra careful during those first few weeks to protect the umbilical cord stump area.

If the umbilical stump hasn’t fallen off yet, use diapers with a notch cutout or fold the top of the diaper down to prevent urine from reaching the stump and the diaper itself to avoid irritating the stump.

For the umbilical cord stump area, follow the umbilical cord care tips listed above. You can use a damp cotton ball or swab to clean the skin around the stump, being careful not to get the stump itself wet.

Signs of an infected umbilical cord stump

Your baby’s umbilical cord stump is unlikely to become infected, but if you notice any of these signs of an infected umbilical cord, contact your baby’s doctor.

These are some of the signs of an infected umbilical cord:

A smelly yellow discharge from the stump area

A reddening of the skin around the stump

swelling of the navel area

Your baby will cry if you touch the stump, indicating that they are tender or sore.

It’s normal to see crusted discharge, dried blood, or a small bleed when the cord stump falls off. Bleeding is not necessarily a sign that your newborn’s belly button is infected, but if your baby’s umbilical cord area continues to bleed, consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Read more about baby skin care so you can help keep your little one’s soft skin healthy and clean.

umbilical cord diseases

These are two conditions associated with the umbilical cord or umbilical area. Talk to your doctor if you think your baby might have any of the following problems:

Granuloma of the umbilical cord. After the umbilical cord falls off, you may notice a reddish, moist lump or nodule near where the umbilical cord fell off, which may get slightly larger and continue to leak out easily. This will likely go away after about a week or so, but if it doesn’t, your baby’s doctor can remove it.

umbilical hernia. If you notice your baby’s belly button bulging when he cries, he may have an umbilical hernia. This is a small hole in the abdominal wall that allows tissue to bulge out when pressure is applied, such as when your little one cries. An umbilical hernia usually heals by the time your child is between 12 and 18 months old.

The final result

Within a few weeks of your baby’s birth, the remnants of the umbilical cord will fall off, revealing your baby’s cute little belly button. It’s a reminder of how far your little one has come in just a short amount of time.

If you are careful about changing your newborn’s diaper, you should know that you could receive gifts and discounts for everything you do. Download the Pampers Club app to get started.

It’s one thing that freaks out a lot of new parents a little. That little stump on her newborn baby’s belly from the umbilical cord.

It is strange. It will be crispy. And then… does it fall off? Does it hurt?

I get a lot of questions from new moms and dads about caring for the umbilical stump. So let’s take a moment to appreciate baby’s little button.

What’s the deal with the umbilical cord?

The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta and is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your baby in the womb. It also passes on some important antibodies that can protect the baby from diseases.

However, once your little one is born, the cord is no longer needed. Shortly after birth, it is clamped and cut off. There are no nerve endings in your baby’s umbilical cord, so cutting it won’t hurt. What is left on your baby is called the navel stump and will soon fall off to reveal an adorable belly button.

How long does it take for the umbilical cord stump to fall off?

The stump usually falls off in the first week or two after your baby is born. For the first few days, the stump looks yellow and wet. If it dries out, it will change color to brown or black and it will shrink. This part scares new parents sometimes, but it’s just part of the game!

If the stump falls off, you may notice a little blood or fluid, which is almost always normal. It may take a few more days for the area to dry completely.

What do I do with this area until the umbilical stump falls off?

The idea of ​​taking care of the umbilical cord stump can be intimidating for new parents, until I tell them their biggest responsibility is to leave it alone! Previously, we recommended applying alcohol to the base of the stump, but this has been found to delay the process of the umbilical cord falling off. Now it is recommended to keep the area as clean and dry as possible.

The baby should only receive sponge baths until the stump falls off. If it does get dirty, simply blot with a damp washcloth and allow to air dry. And for those of you who like to poke at things, resist the urge to rip off the stump or scab, even if it’s just attached by a thread!

What are signs that there might be a problem?

Most umbilical cord stumps fall off on their own without any problems. Rarely can a stump become infected or fail to fall off on its own. Here are some reasons why you should contact your baby’s doctor:

Signs of infection, including redness around the base of the stump or a foul-smelling discharge

Your baby will cry when this area is touched

The area continues to bleed after the umbilical cord falls off

The stump has not fallen off after three or four weeks

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your Methodist Physicians Clinic pediatrician.

Roots of Birth Rituals

It’s impossible to turn on the news these days without hearing from Hollywood’s moms-to-be. From Salma Hayek to Naomi Watts, the fascination with celebrity pregnancies went beyond whether the child will be a boy or a girl or what it will be called. We predict the next obsession will be how they deliver their starlets.

Ricki Lake gave birth in her bathtub; Meryl Streep and Demi Moore experienced a home birth. And in 2006, speculation about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes focused on the birth method Holmes would choose to give birth to their daughter Suri.

The TomKitten watch raised questions about other labor and delivery practices, particularly those from other centuries and countries. Here are nine birth rituals of the past from places around the world that show us that not only birth practices but also our fascination with them have passed through time.

RELATED: A doctor advocates birth plans — here’s why

knot a risk taken

Greece, ca. 430 BC As the birth began, midwives were called and the mother giving birth was placed on a bed. The room was checked to ensure there were no knots, as the ancient Greeks believed knots had malign powers and could prevent or delay childbirth. When labor began, the mother was placed in a delivery chair and crouched over it. The midwives massaged her stomach and one rested under the mother to catch the baby. After birth, the baby and mother were cleansed, since birth blood was considered bad luck. A shield was placed on the baby’s forehead to protect it from the “evil eye,” a superstitious belief that a victim, in this case a vulnerable baby, could be cursed by the malevolent gaze of an envious individual.

France, China, North America, Greenland

Do you feel like royalty?

France circa 1700. Giving birth to royalty was quite an elaborate affair (a bit like giving birth to some celebrities in modern times!). After feeling labor pains, the royal lady called her companions and was placed on a special couch. Some 18th-century remedies placed near the mother-to-be were: sneezing powder for obstetrics, almond oil to clean the hands of the doctor and head midwife, and boxes of powdered cumin and myrrh to seal the infant’s umbilical cord pollinate . After birth, the umbilical cord was cut and the baby washed in oil, red roses, and red wine.

birth whisperer

China in the late 1800s. For women of the Chinese merchant class, labor pains were accompanied by the prayers of the mother and mother-in-law for an easy delivery. A Taoist priest came by the bed and whispered prayers in the ears of the laboring mother. When the birth began, she crouched on the bed. Once the baby was born, the midwife cut and tied the umbilical cord, and then attempted to encourage delivery of the placenta. The baby was not washed for three days, until the influences of evil were less imminent.

RELATED: What the US can learn from cultures around the world about the postpartum period

The sound of silence

Zuni Indians in the 1890s. When labor began, the laboring mother would lie on a soft bed made of animal skins, and her mother would gather the older women of the family to help with the delivery. As the pain increased, she was encouraged to remain silent; who knew the silent birth wasn’t just a ritual of the Church of Scientology! To speed up the delivery, the mother and the midwife kneaded her pregnant belly. When the baby came down, the women of the family cried and moaned out of sympathy for the birthing mother, who could not express her pain. When the baby appeared, the doctor rested under the woman to catch the baby. After the placenta was delivered, the new mother’s grandmother threw it into the river to wash downstream. Six days after birth, the new baby would be introduced to the Zuni gods and made an official member of the Zuni people.

man’s birth roll

Polar Eskimos in the 1920s. To prepare for the birth, the husband of the woman in labor built a bed in a shallow hole covered with animal skin – this is where the birth would take place. When the pain set in, the woman lay down on the prepared bed and her husband leaned behind her. He then pressed her stomach to encourage the baby’s birth. At birth, the father would cut the umbilical cord with a knife and the new mother would tie a knot to stop the bleeding. The placenta was wrapped in animal skin and then left outside for the animals to feed on. The baby would be given three names to protect him from evil spirits in the wind and to sleep with his or her parents.

Egypt, Indonesia, Hawaii

A functional dance

Egypt in 19,000 BC Belly dancing, often thought of as entertainment for men, is actually a form of ancient dance that reflects the body as nature’s creation and temple of the soul. It was originally a dance performed by women in honor of the life-giver, the Great Mother. The twists of the hip were believed to ensure the birth of future generations and were used in preparation for childbirth. The birthing mother would squat low and push herself down while curling her abs. The contractions of the dance moves strengthened her abdominal muscles and therefore contributed to an easier delivery.

Must have faith

Ancient Malaysia and Indonesia. Women struggled sitting down with no medication to relieve pain. Instead, a dukun, or midwife, massaged the expectant mother. Delivery took place in the birthing room, traditionally indoors, as it was believed that a baby’s first cry was a cry of fidelity and respect for the parents and should be heard at home. Other mothers stayed with the laboring woman in the delivery room and offered advice and support (much like midwives today). At birth, the dukun cuts the umbilical cord, bathes, and wraps the baby in a blanket. Next, words of Allah were whispered in the baby’s ear; for words of faith should be the first the baby would hear. The baby was then returned to his mother and introduced to the grandparents, which was the first act of honor the baby showed to his family. The placenta was then washed and placed in a clay pot with spices and kept near the mother. After 40 days, the family buried the placenta in the ground.

A place of its own

Old Hawaii. Beneath the Kukaniloko birthstones, between the cities of Wahiawa and Haleiwa, ancient Hawaiian women pregnant with potential kings or alii gave birth. Potential alii couldn’t be born without a celebration like a commoner – today we see that birth seclusion when celebrities like Britney Spears give birth to their children in special hospitals and birthing centers. It is believed that the rocks contained powers to ease labor pains. The rituals surrounding the birth of Aliis include 48 chiefs beating drums to announce the arrival of the newborns who could become chiefs in the future.

practices not lost

Modern women would be surprised to know that a number of birth rituals from the past have been carried over into our culture. The art of midwifery, massaging the pregnant belly during childbirth, drug-free childbirth and the idea of ​​silence during childbirth are just a few of these rituals. Who knows, maybe these birth rituals and others will continue to be passed down through time, connecting women from ancient civilizations and future generations.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other healthcare professionals, should be considered opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or problems you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

The first hour after birth, when a mother has uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with her newborn, is called the “golden hour.” This period is crucial for a newborn who has spent the past nine months in a controlled environment. The golden hour helps regulate baby’s temperature, control their breathing and reduce the risk of low blood sugar.

“Ideally, we don’t want a separation between mother and baby immediately after birth,” says Erin Jeanes, FNP, Wellstone’s IBCLC. “Once we know the baby is stable and fine, we place the baby skin-to-skin directly on mom.”

Skin-to-skin helps with breastfeeding

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all mothers who want to breastfeed have skin-to-skin contact with their baby immediately after birth.

Skin-to-skin contact promotes a strong bond between mothers and babies. Research shows that babies who have the benefit of skin-to-skin time actually breastfeed better and longer after the infant latches onto the mother’s nipples on their own. Early breastfeeding can also speed up delivery of the placenta and reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Jeane’s best piece of advice for moms is to never underestimate the power of skin-to-skin contact with the baby outside of the delivery room, even after the first golden hour.

“When I’m on the phone with a mother and she’s having trouble breastfeeding, I always tell her to come skin to skin with her baby. Mom should have bared her breasts with no bra and no tank top. Place the infant on your chest between the breasts where you are skin to skin,” Jeanes recommends.

The staff at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights respect and appreciate the golden hour for moms and their new baby, so it’s something you can plan for. As you prepare for birth, talk to your doctor about your expectations, especially how you plan to spend those minutes right after your baby is born.

It’s one thing that freaks out a lot of new parents a little. That little stump on her newborn baby’s belly from the umbilical cord.

It is strange. It will be crispy. And then… does it fall off? Does it hurt?

I get a lot of questions from new moms and dads about caring for the umbilical stump. So let’s take a moment to appreciate baby’s little button.

What’s the deal with the umbilical cord?

The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta and is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your baby in the womb. It also passes on some important antibodies that can protect the baby from diseases.

However, once your little one is born, the cord is no longer needed. Shortly after birth, it is clamped and cut off. There are no nerve endings in your baby’s umbilical cord, so cutting it won’t hurt. What is left on your baby is called the navel stump and will soon fall off to reveal an adorable belly button.

How long does it take for the umbilical cord stump to fall off?

The stump usually falls off in the first week or two after your baby is born. For the first few days, the stump looks yellow and wet. If it dries out, it will change color to brown or black and it will shrink. This part scares new parents sometimes, but it’s just part of the game!

If the stump falls off, you may notice a little blood or fluid, which is almost always normal. It may take a few more days for the area to dry completely.

What do I do with this area until the umbilical stump falls off?

The idea of ​​taking care of the umbilical cord stump can be intimidating for new parents, until I tell them their biggest responsibility is to leave it alone! Previously, we recommended applying alcohol to the base of the stump, but this has been found to delay the process of the umbilical cord falling off. Now it is recommended to keep the area as clean and dry as possible.

The baby should only receive sponge baths until the stump falls off. If it does get dirty, simply blot with a damp washcloth and allow to air dry. And for those of you who like to poke at things, resist the urge to rip off the stump or scab, even if it’s just attached by a thread!

What are signs that there might be a problem?

Most umbilical cord stumps fall off on their own without any problems. Rarely can a stump become infected or fail to fall off on its own. Here are some reasons why you should contact your baby’s doctor:

Signs of infection, including redness around the base of the stump or a foul-smelling discharge

Your baby will cry when this area is touched

The area continues to bleed after the umbilical cord falls off

The stump has not fallen off after three or four weeks

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your Methodist Physicians Clinic pediatrician.

As a parent of a newborn, I’m sure you’ll want to know about umbilical cord care, including how to keep your baby’s umbilical cord stump dry until it falls off, how to recognize the signs of infection, and when to call your doctor. Read on to learn all of this and more.

What is the umbilical cord stump and when does it fall off?

The umbilical cord carries nutrients and oxygen to your baby in the womb. Shortly after your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. Your baby would not feel this because the umbilical cord does not contain nerves.

The clamp is typically held in place for 24 to 48 hours. It is removed once the remnants of the umbilical cord have dried and stopped bleeding.

After removing the clamp, a small stump will remain on your little one’s tummy. As the umbilical cord stump dries, shrinks, and hardens, it changes from a yellow color to a brownish black.

The umbilical cord stump usually falls off within a few weeks after your baby is born. Contact your baby’s doctor if it didn’t fall off when your little one is 2 months old.

In some cases, there may be an underlying cause for the umbilical cord stump not falling off, such as: B. an infection or a disorder of the immune system, which your doctor will examine.

After the stump falls off, the skin underneath should heal. Sometimes the skin can be a little rough and a little liquid can leak out. Keep your little one’s belly button dry and clean and it should heal completely soon. Contact your doctor if it hasn’t healed within two weeks of the stump falling off.

How to care for and clean the umbilical cord stump

The key is to keep the residual limb area clean and dry. It may be most convenient to clean your child’s residual limb when you change their diaper or when you bathe them.

Here are some tips for caring for the umbilical cord:

Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry. Experts recommend “dry umbilical cord care,” which means allowing air to reach the stump of the umbilical cord and not covering it with water or ointments. You may have heard of dabbing rubbing alcohol on the stump, but these days experts are more likely to recommend letting it go. Ask your doctor for advice if you are not sure what to do.

prevent irritation. Try to prevent your newborn’s diapers from rubbing against the stump by folding the top of the diaper under the umbilicus or choosing a disposable diaper with a cut-out notch at the top. Pampers swaddlers, for example, have this feature.

Check for signs of infection. Clear fluid oozing from the stump, drops of blood, and scabbing may be normal, but if you notice any signs of an infected umbilical stump or if your baby has a fever, tell your doctor right away.

Don’t pull at the stump. Allow the umbilical cord stump to fall off on its own rather than plucking or pulling it even if it’s hanging down. It will fall off in due course.

Watch out for bleeding. A few drops of blood when the stump falls off is normal. If there is heavy bleeding, contact your baby’s doctor.

Do not tape or cover the navel area with a coin. Contrary to what you may have heard, taping the navel area or placing a coin will not help change the shape of your child’s belly button and may even cause damage. Consult your baby’s doctor if you’re concerned about the shape of your baby’s belly button or if you suspect your little one may be suffering from a medical condition such as an umbilical hernia.

Bath time and umbilical cord care

Until the stump falls off and your baby’s belly button has healed, it’s best to stick to the sponge bath so you don’t soak the stump in water. You don’t have to bathe your baby with a sponge every day; Two to three times a week is usually sufficient.

You may also want to use the sponge bath to gently clean the umbilical cord stump.

To give your little one a sponge bath, prepare everything you need

a bowl of warm water

a washcloth

baby soap

a damp cotton swab or cotton ball

towels

a fresh diaper

Dress.

Place your baby on a padded, flat surface — like the changing pad on the changing table or on the floor on a soft towel — with your essentials within easy reach. Never leave your baby unattended during the sponge bath; If it is on an elevated surface such as B. the changing table, keep the seat belt fastened and always hold them tight.

Keep your little one covered with a towel to keep them warm and only show the body parts that will be washed. Start with her face and use the damp washcloth but no soap so you don’t get soap in her eyes. Then add soap to the water and continue to gently cleanse the rest of her body, especially the skin folds around her neck, ears and genitals.

For the umbilical cord stump area, follow the umbilical cord care tips listed above. You can use a damp cotton ball or swab to clean the skin around the stump, being careful not to get the stump itself wet.

Once the cord has fallen off, you can bathe your baby in a baby bath tub or in the sink.

Change baby’s diaper and protect the umbilical cord stump

You can read about how to change a diaper here, but remember that you need to be extra careful during those first few weeks to protect the umbilical cord stump area.

If the umbilical stump hasn’t fallen off yet, use diapers with a notch cutout or fold the top of the diaper down to prevent urine from reaching the stump and the diaper itself to avoid irritating the stump.

For the umbilical cord stump area, follow the umbilical cord care tips listed above. You can use a damp cotton ball or swab to clean the skin around the stump, being careful not to get the stump itself wet.

Signs of an infected umbilical cord stump

Your baby’s umbilical cord stump is unlikely to become infected, but if you notice any of these signs of an infected umbilical cord, contact your baby’s doctor.

These are some of the signs of an infected umbilical cord:

A smelly yellow discharge from the stump area

A reddening of the skin around the stump

swelling of the navel area

Your baby will cry if you touch the stump, indicating that they are tender or sore.

It’s normal to see crusted discharge, dried blood, or a small bleed when the cord stump falls off. Bleeding is not necessarily a sign that your newborn’s belly button is infected, but if your baby’s umbilical cord area continues to bleed, consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Read more about baby skin care so you can help keep your little one’s soft skin healthy and clean.

umbilical cord diseases

These are two conditions associated with the umbilical cord or umbilical area. Talk to your doctor if you think your baby might have any of the following problems:

Granuloma of the umbilical cord. After the umbilical cord falls off, you may notice a reddish, moist lump or nodule near where the umbilical cord fell off, which may get slightly larger and continue to leak out easily. This will likely go away after about a week or so, but if it doesn’t, your baby’s doctor can remove it.

umbilical hernia. If you notice your baby’s belly button bulging when he cries, he may have an umbilical hernia. This is a small hole in the abdominal wall that allows tissue to bulge out when pressure is applied, such as when your little one cries. An umbilical hernia usually heals by the time your child is between 12 and 18 months old.

The final result

Within a few weeks of your baby’s birth, the remnants of the umbilical cord will fall off, revealing your baby’s cute little belly button. It’s a reminder of how far your little one has come in just a short amount of time.

If you are careful about changing your newborn’s diaper, you should know that you could receive gifts and discounts for everything you do. Download the Pampers Club app to get started.

The umbilical cord carries nutrients from you to your baby throughout pregnancy. Now your baby has a purplish-blue stump that is about half an inch to an inch long. It takes some time (about 1-2 weeks) for the stump to dry out and fall off. It requires a little care and attention to avoid irritation and infection.

Umbilical cord care: cleaning and signs of infection

How do I care for my baby’s umbilical cord?

Keep the area clean

Pediatricians used to recommend cleaning the base of the umbilical cord with rubbing alcohol. However, most recommend leaving the stump alone entirely, as alcohol is believed to irritate the skin and sometimes delay healing. Other methods of caring for your baby’s umbilical cord include using goldenseal root and echinacea. It’s best to consult your child’s pediatrician for advice before attempting any of these alternative methods.

Keep the area dry

Expose the cable to air as much as possible. This allows the base of the umbilical cord to dry and reduces the time it takes for it to heal. Using newborn diapers with a special neckline or folding your baby’s diaper down will help keep the cord from irritating. If the weather permits, dress your baby in just a shirt and diaper to give the cord more time to dry.

Give only sponge baths

Do not bathe your baby in a sink or special tub until the umbilical cord has fallen off. When your baby takes a bath, be sure to ventilate the area to dry it completely. You should not rub it dry as this can cause irritation.

Allow the cord to heal naturally

It may be tempting to “help” the cord dry and fall off, especially when it seems to be hanging by a thread, but it’s best to let this happen naturally. Refrain from tugging and unplugging the cable.

What are the signs of infection?

Signs of infection may be when the umbilical cord:

The base appears red or swollen

Keeps bleeding

Oozes yellowish or white pus

Produces a foul-smelling discharge

Seems painful for your baby

Signs of infection in the stump of the umbilical cord can lead to omphalitis (a life-threatening infection of the umbilical cord). This is considered a serious condition and needs to be treated immediately.

When should I call my baby’s pediatrician?

If there are signs of infection.

When the umbilical cord is actively bleeding. This usually occurs when the cable is unplugged prematurely. Active bleeding is defined as when a drop of blood is wiped away, another drop appears.

What is an umbilical cord granuloma?

An umbilical granuloma is a small lump of firm pinkish-red tissue (similar to scar tissue) with persistent yellow-green drainage. This differs from an infection as it is not accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness, or fever. This is most commonly treated with cautery, which involves applying silver nitrate to the area to cauterize the tissue. There are no nerve endings in the area, so it’s not painful.

Can I make sure my baby has an “innie”?

There is no way to predict whether your child will have an “innie” or an “outie.” Many people believe that sticking a coin or other flat object above the navel will help their child have an “innie,” but that’s not true.

Compiled using information from the following sources:

eMedicinehealth, https://www.emedicinehealth.com

Mayo Clinic, https://mayoclinic.org

Would you like to know more?