“The umbilical cord is the center of life”.
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Introduction
A newborn’s umbilical cord is a bridge between two worlds, from where a new story begins.
It is a vital organ necessary for the growth of newborn in the uterus. It’s where the newborn starts to breathe. Umbilical cord contains blood vessels that transport nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the baby and removes the waste products.
Umbilical cord is a wondrous lifeline connecting a mother and her newborn. It is a sacred tie that binds the miracle of creation from where life begins. This vital link formed during the pregnancy which serves as the channel for nourishment and oxygen, nurturing the precious life growing within the womb. As the newborn takes its first breath, the silent symphony of the umbilical cord unfolds — a delicate transition from the protected cocoon of the womb to the vast expanse of the world. After birth, the newborn umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving a small stump attached to the newborns belly button.
The newborn belly button is what’s left of the newborn umbilical cord after birth.
Caring for newborn umbilical cord
After your newborn birth, the umbilical cord is cut. The part of umbilical cord that is still attached to your baby is called the umbilical stump. During the first few days after the newborn birth, the stump gets darker and after some days it falls off.
We should keep the umbilical stump dry and clean. Eventually it falls off on its own naturally. We should dress newborns in-loose or comfortable clothes to prevent irritation around umbilical area .To keep the umbilical cord clean, we can use antiseptics like Betadine liquid mixed with lukewarm water.
Then it becomes your Newborn baby “ Belly Button “. It might take 1-2 weeks to fall off.
When the umbilical stump falls off, I have noticed it is sticky, brownish and a bit smelly. But it’s a part of the healing process.
Caring for your newborns belly button
- Before cleaning any body part of your newborn, always wash your hands properly.
- You can use antiseptics like betadine liquid with lukewarm water to clean newborn’s umbilical stump.
- Umbilical stumps will dry and heal much faster if you expose it to air as much as possible. Don’t try to cover the umbilical stump with clothes or diapers.
- Don’t try to pull the newborn umbilical stump by yourself, even if it looks like it’s ready to fall off.
- Watch for any sign of infection, redness, or swelling.
- Consult your pediatrician, if you notice any sign of discomfort.
Conclusion
Umbilical cord is filled with purity, carrying hope for newborn health and survival. From its formation in the protective cocoon of the womb to its gentle separation at birth, the umbilical cord symbolizes the essence of learning in this context. It teaches us about the delicate balance of nurture and independence, the silent communication between mother and child and the natural progression from dependency to autonomy.
Just as the newborn begins the new chapter with the detachment of the umbilical cord, we too, learn lessons on the beauty of transition and the inherent wisdom embedded in the cycles of life.
Go ahead and tell us in the comments section what do you think about caring newborn umbilical cord.
For newborn care related more articles, see our Wellness page.
