Infant Care
First time parents may be very apprehensive in regards to infant care. In a few short weeks, they will gain their confidence and relax. One concern all parents have, though, is the umbilical cord and care of it. Belly buttons begin with a stump that is about an inch long. This is where the umbilical cord was attached and where it is clamped off and snipped after birth. For the fathers who are not faint of heart, snipping the cord themselves may be one of their proudest moments. Infant care includes umbilical cord care. Your concern is to keep the stump dry and clean. It will, in about two weeks, dry up and fall off naturally.
Your doctor will instruct you in cleaning and drying the area with alcohol. Gently does it, as this area is sensitive. Be sure to pat dry. Fold your baby’s diaper down away from the belly button. Keep a good check on baby’s diaper always, but be vigilant in regards to the umbilical cord care, as infection could occur if bacteria was accidently transferred to the wound site. Use a separate wash cloth for face, bottom and umbilical cord. Infant care in a clean environment is best for you and baby. Just a simple sponge bath during the first few weeks of life will do. As you learn to hold your baby and what is most comfortable, you will feel more confident when your feel it’s time to begin a bath routine.
What you are going to be looking for during the healing process of the umbilical cord is infection. Keep in mind that some dried blood and crustiness is to be expected. If baby is running a fever, red and swollen around the umbilical cord, yellow puss and a foul odor, it’s time to call the doctor and report symptoms immediately. It’s very uncommon to have any problems with the healing of the umbilical cord. Still, it’s wise to know what to look for and what to expect. Some parents wonder what to do with the stump once it falls off. The majority send it out with the trash. Others, though, plan a little ritual of burying the cord to symbolize the newborn’s arrival into the world, and the independence that the child will eventually achieve from the parents. Infant care supports this as part of the bonding experience between infant and parents.
In the 1970’s, it was discovered that the blood contained in the umbilical cord immediately after birth, could supply the same sort of blood forming stem cells as a marrow donor. The blood begins to be collected and stored. You can now order the kit before birth and plan to have your OB team collect the blood and have it stored. If your child ever becomes ill, such as cancer, where bone marrow transplant may become necessary. Then their own stem cells may save their lives. More and more on the cutting edge, infant care is innovative.
