Umbilical Cord & Circumcision Care
By: Shayla Kimble & Hadley Conner
What Is An Umbilical Cord
The umbilical cord connects a baby in the womb to its mother. It runs from an opening in your baby’s stomach to the placenta in the womb. The average cord is about 50cm (20 inches) long.
How to care for Umbilical Cord
Your baby's umbilical cord stump will change from bluish white to black as it dries out and eventually falls off — usually within three weeks after birth. In the meantime, treat the area gently:
*Keep the stump clean.
*Keep the stump dry.
*Stick with sponge baths.
*Let the stump fall off on its own.
What Is Circumcision?
Boys are born with a hood of skin, called the foreskin, covering the head of the penis. In circumcision, the foreskin is surgically removed, exposing the end of the penis.
How To Care For Baby After Circumcision Surgery
Until your baby's circumcised penis heals — it'll take about seven to 10 days — you need to: Keep it clean. This is the most important rule of newborn circumcision care: At every diaper change, gently wipe away any bits of poop that you may see on the area. Use a gentle, unscented soap and warm water — not a baby wipe.