Myths & Facts about 'Newborn' Umbilical Cord Care that Moms Must Know!

Myths & Facts about 'Newborn' Umbilical Cord Care that Moms Must Know!

written by : MAKUKU - 13 Dec 2023

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Taking care of the umbilical cord of a newborn is not an easy thing for mothers to do. With a high level of sensitivity on baby's skin, of course, you need special treatment that is good and right according to the doctor's advice.

Pediatrician dr. Martina Siboe said, one of the mistakes in the care of the umbilical cord for newborns is that many people are not able to distinguish between myths and facts.

Capitalize on hereditary traditions coupled with the lack of education about baby care, making people believe in myths more than looking for the truth from the information. Not all myths circulating in the community must always be obeyed.

The baby's umbilical cord should always be clean and sterile. Especially in newborns, the condition of the umbilical cord or umbilical cord is still in a puput position or has not been released. After birth, the baby will have the umbilical cord cut and then the umbilical cord will be clamped.

"During early newborn care, the baby will be cleaned and dried, including the umbilical cord. The point is that we must keep the umbilical cord dry," said dr. Martina Siboe, SpA on an occasion to the MAKUKU.

Baby's Umbilical Cord Detachment Facts and Myths

The importance of keeping the umbilical cord clean must be done to minimize negative things on the baby's growth. Don't let it be careless treatment just because it's a myth that moms do to the baby which can actually endanger health. Check out Doctor Martina's full explanation regarding the truth of the myths that have prevailed in society.

1. Bulging babies must wear octopus

The use of octopus has become part of a hereditary 'tradition' carried out by parents for their children. The use of an octopus is considered capable of deflating the umbilical cord so that it is not bulging. A bulging navel has a protruding position and at first glance, it doesn't look like a normal condition

"Then regarding bodong (protrusion of the umbilical cord), there are a lot of myths that if a bald baby is worn by an octopus. Protrusion of the umbilical cord is a soft protrusion in the navel area, it can usually be due to an umbilical hernia," added Dr Martina.

Bodong occurs due to pressure from the stomach such as laughing, giggling or crying, there will be protrusion of the intestine through the ring, if for example a mild condition then it will heal itself without the need for intervention.

He added that umbilical hernia is a normal thing in the baby's developmental stage. However, you should consult a doctor if you show signs of surgery, such as a pinched intestine, enlarged diameter or does not close after the age of 3 years.

In conclusion, the use of octopus does not affect the condition of the baby's umbilical cord. Moreover, the use of octopus can also interfere with the cleanliness of the umbilical cord due to the mixing of urine.

2. Using betadine or alcohol on the umbilical cord

Betadine and alcohol are considered able to prevent infection and also keep the umbilical cord clean. Moms are advised not to give anything to the baby's umbilical cord, including betadine or alcohol regardless of the purpose. As previously explained, the condition of the newborn's umbilical cord must always be sterile and dry.

"Betadine itself contains povidone-iodine. Martina.

Then, the use of alcohol can also slow down the process of developing the umbilical cord. Not to mention the risk of leaving cotton balls behind when cleaning the baby it can cause infection.

3. Applying herbal oil over the navel

In ancient times, the use of herbal oil on the baby's umbilical cord was believed to be able to hold the baby's navel that had just been severed from the umbilical cord so that it would not protrude/lie. This myth certainly does not need to be trusted anymore because no scientific or medical evidence justifies it.

"There is no need to give various kinds because generally, the umbilical cord will close in 1-2 weeks. Others use leaves or smeared with herbal oil to place them above the navel, they are afraid that infection will occur," added Dr. Martina.

4. Put the coin so that the shape is ideal

Another myth that is commonly practiced by people is to use coins so that the baby has the ideal shape of the umbilical cord. The use of coins on the navel has no function.

The umbilical cord is the link between the mother and the baby there is an umbilical cord and placenta in the mother, so it must always be clean and sterile. This is quite convincing that the use of coins does not need to be applied again.

"And all these clamps are sterile, every time a new baby is born, it will be opened so that it remains sterile so there is no need to give/apply anything else," said the doctor who served in the hospital. This Carol.

When will the umbilical cord dry? This is what moms have to do

According to Dr. Martina, the baby's umbilical cord will generally close within 1-2 weeks. For this reason, Moms don't need to worry and don't need to apply a series of myths above in caring for the baby's umbilical cord.

As a treatment for newborns, just use the clamps on the umbilical cord without the need to add other materials. The umbilical cord is the link between the mother and the baby where there is an umbilical cord and placenta in the mother, where when the baby is born it will be cut.

Since the umbilical cord is a blood vessel, if it is not clamped, the blood flow will not stop so it must be clamped. And all of these clamps are sterile, every time a new baby is born, it will be opened so that it remains sterile so there is no need to give/apply anything else.

Keeping the umbilical cord dry

Try to keep the umbilical cord open and not covered with dry gauze or exposed to the diaper waistband. The diaper waistband usually covers the baby's umbilical cord. If the rubber waistband hits the umbilical cord, it can be exposed to the baby's urine and feces, causing infection.

Mommy and daddy don't need to worry about this, because all MAKUKU SAP Diapers size NB variants have a Belly button U-shape fütur with a U Shape design. Where the waistband in the middle forms a cut or arch under the umbilical cord. So that the waist rubber will not be exposed to the umbilical cord and reduce friction with the baby's umbilical cord.

First U-Shape Belly Button Award in Indonesia

The belly button u-shape feature found in all MAKUKU SAP Diapers variants was awarded as the "First diaper in Indonesia with Special Newborn U-shape Belly Button Feature" from TRAS N CO at the Indonesia Maternity, Baby & Kids Expo (IMBEX 2023) on December 1-3, 2023 at the Jakarta Convention Center Senayan, Jakarta.

So, are you ready to take care of your little one with love? Together with MAKUKU U-shape belly button, your little one's umbilical cord is maximally protected. (RR/MKK)

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