Whenever a baby was born around here, my mother was called to help “heal” the belly button and of course, as I always loved newborn babies, I would go along! I saw my mother healing with adhesive tape, gauze, bandages, coins in case of umbilical hernia, mercurochrome etc. I think it comes from my grandparents’ time and the way they used to heal belly buttons in the past.

So when I had my first experience with my own child’s belly button, it was, let’s say, different, you know why? Because I didn’t know how to do it! It was so new, healing the belly button now was simpler and more complicated at the same time.

What is the purpose of the umbilical cord?

Even though information is easily accessible in the internet age, many people still don’t know that the umbilical cord not only carries nutrients to the baby, it also carries oxygen! Yes, that’s why there’s no problem when the baby is born and hasn’t started breathing yet; if he or she is still connected to the cord, there’s no danger.

Well, the placenta forms together with the baby at fertilization, when implantation happens, the zygote divides into two parts, and then one turns into the placenta and the other part of the cells become the baby. This placenta provides oxygen, nutrients, and everything the baby needs to grow, and all of this is passed to the baby through the umbilical cord. The baby’s belly button is cut at birth two fingers above the navel, and over time it dries up and falls off, giving rise to the belly button itself.

Why is a clip placed on the cord during delivery?

In the maternity ward and at birth, some care must be taken so that the umbilical cord does not become a source of infection or hemorrhage. That’s why it needs to be tied or clamped before being cut, so that there is no risk to the baby or to the mother.

Doctors use a clamp, and right after, a proper clip is placed on the umbilical cord stump that’s still attached to the baby. The child feels nothing when it’s cut, even though it’s attached to the body, there are no nerve endings so there’s no need to feel sorry, lol. From this moment on, you need to take care of it so it dries out and falls off.

But there are cases like Joana’s and Melissa’s where the cord took longer than expected to fall off. Normally, it takes 4 to 10 days. Joana’s cord took 22 days! Yes, and only because I took her to the pediatrician for help. Melissa’s took about 16 days, even though I already knew how to care for it.

Caring for the Belly Button

For the baby’s belly button to fall off, you need to apply 70% alcohol at every diaper change. The alcohol dries out the cord and then it will come off the skin by itself. Keep a cotton swab and the alcohol handy to make things easier. Clean all around the base of the belly button and also along its length. Some people prefer to do this process with gauze, but I think the cotton swab works just as well. Those old-fashioned remedies like coins and so forth are no longer necessary.

If your baby’s belly button takes longer to fall off, it’s advisable to take the baby to a pediatrician for evaluation and guidance, but usually they apply silver nitrate. It’s a stick that “burns” the belly button, so it must be used with great care not to hurt the baby.

It’s safe and easy to use; just be sure to place something over the cord because it can stain clothes. Another tip is to clean very well under the belly button if it still has the hospital clip. Melissa came home with it from the hospital and the underside wasn’t drying completely even with alcohol, so we had to use silver nitrate. Don’t be afraid, caring for your baby’s belly button is very easy and if you still have doubts, just leave a comment here and maybe I can help!

Kisses and until next time!

Also read: Infant Colic! What to Do?

Photo: Chris Pawluk