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 and coupled with the lack of education about baby care, making people believe in myths more than looking for the truth from the information. In fact, 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 Family.
Myths and Facts
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, 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. In fact, 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 so that 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 there is no scientific or medical evidence that justifies it.
"Actually, there is no need to give various kinds because generally the umbilical cord will close in 1-2 weeks. There are others who 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. In fact, the use of coins on the navel has no function.
The umbilical cord is the link between the mother and the baby where 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. Because 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.
So, are you ready to take care of your little one with love? With Makuku, Your Child Care Consultant. (RR/MKK)
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