Umbilical Cord & Circumcision
Vanessa Rodriguez & Elizabeth Gonzalez
Umbilical Cord
The umbilical cord, which connects the baby to the placenta, contains three vessels: two arteries, which carry blood from the baby to the placenta, and one vein, which carries blood back to the baby. After a baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut close to the baby's body, leaving an umbilical stump.
Care for Umbilical Cord
- Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry
- Fold the baby's diaper away from the stump
- Give baby sponge baths
- Loose clothing during warm weather to let air circulate
- Do not try to pull off the stump, even if it looks like it's going to fall off
*The stump will dry up and fall off in about 7 to 21 days
You can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the stump, but researchers have found that untreated cords heal faster than alcohol-swabbed cords and carry no more risk of infection
Circumcision
- Circumcision is when the foreskin of the penis is surgically removed
- Most parents make the decision about circumcision based on cultural, religious, or personal reasons,
- Can be circumcised within 1-2 days of after birth
Health Benefits/Risks
- Easier hygiene
- Decreased risk of urinary tract infections
- Decreased risk of sexually transmitted infections
- Prevention of penile problems
- The most common complications are bleeding and infection