By Dr. Abduljeleel Balogun
In the past, mothers were instructed to swab the umbilical stump with rubbing alcohol (methylated spirit) after every diaper change but that has changed.
Sadly however, a lot of wrong practices based on tradition that may predispose a newborn to infection are still engaged in. Some mothers go as far as applying toothpaste or salt which has resulted in agonising pain and even death of some babies or Cow dung which increase the chances of infection.
The application of Chlorhexidine Gel is the GOLD STANDARD NOW.
Chlorhexidine gel is applied once a day after delivery once the baby is cleaned. It works for 24 hours. The mother can apply it on her own without assistance.
One application is all that is required as it takes care of formation of any sepsis or other infections.
The DO's
Continue to breast feed your baby for six months on exclusive breast milk. No water, no herbal solutions or concoctions, no infant formula.
In the past, mothers were instructed to swab the umbilical stump with rubbing alcohol (methylated spirit) after every diaper change but that has changed.
Sadly however, a lot of wrong practices based on tradition that may predispose a newborn to infection are still engaged in. Some mothers go as far as applying toothpaste or salt which has resulted in agonising pain and even death of some babies or Cow dung which increase the chances of infection.
The application of Chlorhexidine Gel is the GOLD STANDARD NOW.
Chlorhexidine gel is applied once a day after delivery once the baby is cleaned. It works for 24 hours. The mother can apply it on her own without assistance.
One application is all that is required as it takes care of formation of any sepsis or other infections.
The DO's
- Wash your hands before and after application.
- Expose the stump to air to help dry out the base.
- Keep the front of your baby’s diaper folded down to avoid covering the stump.
- In warm weather, dress your baby in a diaper and T-shirt to improve air circulation.
- Sponge baths might be most practical during the healing process.
- When the stump falls off, you can bathe your baby in a baby tub or sink.
- It should be kept out of eyes and ears and should be applied only to the umbilical stump.
- Please, let the stump fall off on its own.
- Resist the temptation to pull off the stump yourself.
- Do not give the child drinks including Gripe water which is already banned by NAFDAC
Continue to breast feed your baby for six months on exclusive breast milk. No water, no herbal solutions or concoctions, no infant formula.
