Care of the umbilical stump

The umbilical stump after the birth of the baby is usually touched with an antibacterial agent and sometimes dressed by the attending doctor in the labour room itself. As a rule the stump will fall off in a week’s time provided it is left as such and neither made wet by a bath nor pulled out. If, on shriveling, the stump leaves behind a little scabby area, apply a baby cream to it every-day. At times, pus or a watery discharge may ooze out from the umbilicus. Sometimes, you may find when the baby is 2 or 3 week old, a pea-size mass buried in it. This is called polyp or granulation. A doctor’s opinion should be sought in such a situation. Remember, a septic umbilicus can spread infection to the rest of the body. The disease thus produced is known as septicaemia. This is very serious and can prove fatal. Bad hygiene and neglect of the umbilicus can lead to another killing disease, tetanus. It is almost always seen in babies delivered and cared for in traditional ways and means. Mind you, one cause of tetanus in the newborn is the application of dust. Cow dung or traditional pastes.