You are in a phase in which the umbilical cord is the vital bond between you, as parents-to-be, and your unborn child. After birth, it is no longer needed and is therefore removed. After a short healing process, a scar remains: your baby's belly button. Careful care of your newborn's navel is important, especially during the wound healing process, but also afterwards.
The umbilical cord before birth
The umbilical cord connects your unborn child to the placenta throughout the pregnancy. The spiral-shaped structure, which is around 15 millimeters thick and 50 to 60 centimeters long, is responsible for supplying the child in the womb. Oxygen, nutrients and hormones are transported to the baby through the umbilical cord. It supplies your baby with vital substances and at the same time transports waste products away. After birth, your baby receives the necessary oxygen through its own breathing and takes in food independently. The umbilical cord is now no longer needed and can be severed.
The umbilical cord after birth
After the birth, your newborn's umbilical cord will be cut. The midwife usually clamps the umbilical cord and then cuts it. This literal separation from the mother is a significant and emotional moment for both of you.
After cutting, a small stump remains, which later shrinks and hardens. Over the next few days, this residue dries out continuously. It first turns yellow, then brownish to black. Once it has healed completely, it usually just falls off on its own. The healing process usually takes five to ten days. The healed skin forms the baby's belly button, with an appearance that depends largely on genetic predisposition. How the umbilical cord is cut after birth has no effect on the external appearance of the child's navel, nor does the subsequent care of the navel.
The healing process is completely natural and basically harmless. However, the umbilical cord remnant is a small wound and therefore a potential entry point for germs. For this reason, it should be carefully monitored and cared for.
Care of the navel before it falls off
Caring for your newborn's navel is much easier than it seems at first glance. Normally, the midwife will also take care of your baby's belly button after the birth. She will clean the area around the navel with boiled water and a clean cotton swab. But caring for your baby's navel is no problem without a midwife.
Mainly, it is important to keep the navel area clean and dry. Always wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning to avoid infections. Plain water is sufficient for cleaning. Moisten a sterile cotton swab and carefully remove any dry wound secretion that has accumulated around the navel. Creams and other care products are not suitable for the healing navel as they would keep it moist and thus delay the healing process. To allow the stump to dry properly, leave the front of your baby's diaper folded down so as not to cover it.
Opinions differ somewhat when it comes to bathing babies. While some experts believe it is completely harmless, others recommend refraining from bathing until the stump falls off.
To be on the safe side, you can either bathe your baby without immersing the navel or wash it first with a Sponge . Sponge baths make it easier to keep the umbilical stump dry. In any case, the area around the navel must be dried thoroughly afterwards. But never use the same cloth for the navel and the rest of the body or face. The bacteria from the umbilical wound must not come into contact with your child's mucous membranes.
It is also important to check the navel regularly. You may notice a small rough spot or a little bloody fluid coming out. Don't worry - this is also normal. However, if you notice heavier bleeding, you should see a doctor.
Never try to anticipate the natural process of removing the stump. Always let it fall off on its own.
Signs of complications
Complications are rare. As a rule, there is little cause for concern.
For example, during the healing process, it is typical to occasionally see blood near the stump. Similar to a scab, the umbilical cord stump may bleed a little as it falls off.
However, you should take possible signs of problems seriously.
The Umbilical cord does not fall off . If the stump has not fallen off after three weeks, it could be a sign of an underlying problem, such as an infection or immune system disorder.
The Baby's belly button sticks out . If the belly button is actually sticking out or there is a small bump near the navel, an umbilical hernia could be the cause.
Kicks out of the baby belly button yellow fluid , this is most likely a sign of infection. If the skin is red and swollen, a pink, moist bump forms, or your baby cries when the navel is touched, these are clear indicators.
If you experience the symptoms mentioned above, it is always best to seek advice from your doctor or midwife.
Reasons to see a doctor
In the following cases you should definitely consult your pediatrician.
If the If the umbilical cord does not fall off on its own , there may be a serious problem. In any case, the doctor can resolve the cause and remove the umbilical cord properly. If various signs such as redness, pus and swelling indicate an infection of the umbilical cord, this must be clarified immediately and treated if necessary.
At a Umbilical hernia This is a small hole in the abdominal wall through which tissue can protrude, for example when the child cries. An umbilical hernia does not usually cause your baby any pain and is not dangerous in most cases. It usually heals on its own. However, if you notice any signs of an umbilical hernia, you should seek medical advice to be on the safe side.
Sometimes small, bluish-red tumors in the area of the belly button. Your pediatrician can easily remove these umbilical granulomas.
If you have any questions or are unsure, always contact your midwife or pediatrician.
Care after falling off
There is no need to worry if the navel bleeds a little after the umbilical cord has fallen off. This is completely normal. If there is still a little discharge around the belly button, you can carefully remove it with a cotton swab.
In any case, you should continue to care for your baby's navel after the umbilical stump has fallen off, as the navel will remain a sensitive area for a while. Pathogens can settle in the navel, so it should always be cleaned thoroughly and kept dry. Too much moisture can lead to inflammation in the navel area. Don't forget the navel when bathing your baby and dry it well afterwards.
With careful care, adherence to basic hygiene rules and a little patience, your child's navel will soon be completely healed.
Products for navel care and to support healing
For a navel that heals normally, boiled water is usually the best solution. Instead of water, you can also use a sterile saline solution.
If your navel is weeping, a disinfectant tincture made from sage has a healing effect. Calendula essence is also good for cleaning and caring for your baby's navel. This is a homeopathic anti-inflammatory tincture made from marigolds. This natural plant has a cleansing and caring effect. Calendula also prevents inflammation. You can get the essence from the pharmacy. Simply put a few drops of the calendula essence on a cotton swab and apply it around your baby's belly button.
We also offer powders that contain valuable ingredients such as arnica, echinacea and calendula. They promote healing and have an anti-inflammatory effect, but are not disinfectant. The powder helps the umbilical stump to fall off more quickly, promotes the skin's own regeneration process and strengthens the skin's protective barrier. Simply sprinkle a little powder on the navel and remove excess powder with a sterile saline solution.
