The centered Midwives

Footling breech presentation.

UMBILICAL CORD STUMP📖📖📖

**What is an umbilical cord stump?
Babies,when in the womb receives nourishment and oxygen through the placenta,which is attached to the inner wall of the mothers uterus.The placenta is connected to the baby by the umbilical cord.

After baby is delivered, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut close to your baby's body.Most mothers think the procedure is a painful one,but in actual sense it's painless.

The cut leaves an umbilical stump attached to the baby's belly button.

**How long does it take for the stump to fall off?
It takes approximately 7-21 days ie 1-2 weeks before the stump dries up and falls off.

**How do I clean the umbilical stump?
Umbilical stump needs care and attention to prevent infection and irritation,an infected stump could lead to sepsis and death.

Umbilical stump should be cleaned at least once a day,until the stump falls out.During sponge bath,warm water and a clean baby towel or cotton wool is enough to clean the umbilical stump.

There is really no need for an antiseptic,unless advised by your health care giver.Studies have shown that using alcohol or methylated spirit to clean the umbilical cord increases the time it takes for the cord to fall off,alcohol is also linked to irritation of the baby's skin.Just plain warm water is enough.

**How do I dry the umbilical stump?
Always Pat the stump dry with a clean towel after cleaning it,make sure it's completely dry before dressing your baby up.

Baby nappy or diaper should be folded down to keep the stump exposed.Do not cover stump with nappy as baby's urine and feaces can cause infection to the stump.Never attempt to pull off the stump even if it seems to be hanging by a thread.

**What are the signs of umbilical cord infection?The stump has a foul smellHas a yellowish dischargeThe skin around the base of the cord is redBaby cries when you touch the cord or the skin next to itit continues to bleed
Infection to the umbilical cord can result in omphalitis(a life threatening infection of the umbilical cord).This is considered a very serious condition and needs to be treated immediately.

A pediatrician should be contacted immediately once any of the above signs are seen.

when the stump falls off you may notice a little blood on the diaper,do not worry.it's normal sometimes,after the stump falls off there's some drainage if clear or yellow fluids and some lumpy flesh may remain.This lumpy flesh is called "umbilical granulomas" which may disappear on their own or treated by a doctor.But they aren't serious and don't contain nerves,so if treatment is necessary,it will be painless for your baby.

N/B-Do not apply close up,feaces of any animal😱😱 Shea butter etc to your baby's umbilical cord.

Remember the saying "that prevention is better than cure"

Photo credit:BodyWise BirthWise
Source: Maternity Nest.com

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Lots of Nurses are active and faithful members of various religions, and attend worship services on a regular basis especially Sundays, but missing service because of work responsibilities is never
missing a church service 👌👌👌

Since working in nursing, I have missed holiday celebration, important family events,had this # I must say bathing, feeding, changing their diaper is # being a #

I've worked with nurses who will always say "I can't trade anything for Sunday service"😱😱😱ooh here you go can #,having to share the Joy, laughter, happiness of my patient is enough blessing for me in one Sunday😘😘😘

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