An infant is delicate and the thought of a wound on them can be challenging especially to the first-time mother. However, nursing an umbilical cord and a circumcision wound shouldn’t frighten you.
After circumcision, the newborn will be in pain for a few hours. They will need to be comforted. In this article, we share how to nurse the two wounds until they heal.
1. The Umbilical Cord Wound
The umbilical cord stump falls on its own 2 to 3 weeks after birth. You should sponge birth the baby until the wound heals. Furthermore, the area should always remain dry.
Also, remember to fold the diaper below the wound. Folding helps to air the wound and also keeps the area dry. Note that, if the diaper presses or rubs the wound, bleeding will occur, and that is why you should fold the diaper.
Initially, it was okay to rub the cord with alcohol. However, researchers warn that alcohol might kill essential bacteria. Besides helping to separate the cord, the good bacteria also keep the stump dry and that is why it is recommended to allow the umbilical wound to heal naturally.
Signs of Infection
As has been noted earlier, the cord might bleed slightly. Gently press the area to control the bleeding. However, it is time to see a doctor if:
- The umbilical cord produces an awful smell
- The cord area becomes red
- The wound oozes yellowish fluid
- The baby develops a fever
2. Circumcision Wound
It’s a baby boy! Then the thought of circumcision kicks in, and you cringe. Relax. The penis is not as fragile as you tend to assume. Generally, the wound heals in about 7 days. The area must be kept clean and dry.
Also, after every diaper change, gently wipe the penis to remove any traces of poop. You should use warm water and gentle non-scented soap. Next, apply petroleum jelly and cover using a clean strip of gauze.
Continuously clean the circumcision wound until discharge stops, and this takes about 3 days. Again, avoid tab baths. Sponge bathing is encouraged until the baby’s wound heals completely.
Signs of Infection
For a circumcision wound, a yellowish discharge is normal. More also, bleeding might happen. In the event of slight bleeding, gently press the area to put it in check.
Conversely, the following point out an underlying problem:
- Excessive bright red bleeding
- The baby suddenly becomes dull and is no longer active like before
- The baby has not urinated 10 hours after the circumcision
- Lack of appetite
- Swelling of the penis
- Fouls smelling discharge
- Warm skin
- Fever-over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Watery bowel movements
Final Thoughts
All factors held constant, the umbilical cord and circumcision wounds should naturally heal without giving you problems. However, there is a need for you to be extra careful to keep complications at bay. Given that infants are fragile, extra care is needed.
Lastly, resist the temptation to pull the dry umbilical cord. The wounds will heal. Just be patient!
