Caring for the Newborn Baby's Umbilical Cord
The first time you see your baby will be shortly after he or she is born. He may be quiet and sleepy, or he may be crying lustily. His head may appear pushed out of shape because the skull bones are soft and pliable. His skin may be beet-red and coated with a cheesy substance that will wash off.
Some newborn babies have almost no hair. Others are born with long, soft hair that rubs off during the first few weeks of life and is replaced by normal hair. Your baby's eyes may be puffy, especially after a long labour. His hands and feet are probably wrinkled and maybe blue or mottled.
Almost all new parents handle their babies as though they were water-filled ballons - ready to burst. These parents are often overly concerned. about care of the baby's navel, his nails, and the soft spots in his skull.
The navel seldom call for more than ordinary care. Immediately after birth, the umbilical cord is tied by the midwife or doctor, who then carefully cuts it off close to the baby's body. The small piece of cord still attached to the baby is called the umbilical stump. It dries up and falls off in about a week, leaving the navel to heal. In rare cases , a drop of blood will apear on the stump or aroud the navel. Dab this away with sterile cotton wool and report it to your doctor. Keeping it dry and clean. Until the stump falls off and the navel is healed, your doctor may recommened sponge baths for the baby. Occasionally, the stump may become irritated and cause redness around the navel. An infection maybe present. Call your doctor.
Your baby will often scratch himself so it be great to clipped it short. You can do this when baby is asleep or he is least active.
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