Deepika Ranveer Welcome A Baby Girl; Here's How To Take Care Of A Newborn Baby's Umbilical Cord

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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, Bollywood's cherished duo, welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on Sunday, September 8.

The news, shared by close family sources, has delighted fans worldwide. Deepika was admitted to Mumbai's HN Reliance Foundation Hospital on Saturday evening for the delivery. Both families accompanied the couple to the hospital.

The couple announced the joyous arrival of their daughter on social media with a joint message: "Welcome baby girl. 8.09.2024. Deepika and Ranveer." This announcement quickly garnered love and congratulations from fans and celebrities alike.

Well, the birth of a baby brings immense joy, but it also introduces new parents to numerous responsibilities. One of the first challenges that new parents face is caring for the newborn's umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is a lifeline for the baby in the womb, providing essential nutrients and oxygen.

After birth, the cord is cut, leaving a small stump that requires careful attention until it naturally falls off, usually within the first one to three weeks of life. Proper care of the umbilical cord stump is essential for preventing infection and ensuring the baby's health.

Check out step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and common concerns to help you navigate umbilical cord care with confidence.

1. What To Expect After Birth

Once the umbilical cord is clamped and cut after birth, a small stump remains attached to the baby's belly button. This stump will gradually dry out, shrink, and eventually fall off. As it heals, it may change in color, from yellowish-green to brown and then black.

These changes are completely normal. During this time, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent any complications. Understanding the natural progression of the stump's healing process can ease any concerns new parents might have.

2. Keeping The Cord Stump Dry

One of the most important aspects of caring for your newborn's umbilical cord is keeping it dry. This helps speed up the healing process and reduces the risk of infection. Traditionally, parents were instructed to clean the stump with rubbing alcohol. However, modern recommendations advise against this, as studies have shown that keeping the cord stump dry without applying alcohol can lead to faster healing.

Make sure to expose the stump to air as much as possible. Fold your baby's diaper down to avoid covering the stump. Many newborn diapers come with a special cut-out or can be folded down to keep the area ventilated.

3. Bathing Your Baby

Avoid giving your baby a full bath until the umbilical cord stump falls off. Instead, stick to sponge baths, making sure to keep the cord stump dry during the process. Use a damp washcloth to gently clean the baby's body, taking care to avoid getting the umbilical cord area wet.

Once the stump falls off, you can begin giving your baby regular baths. Until then, refrain from submerging your baby in water, as prolonged moisture can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

4. Clothing Considerations

To help the umbilical cord heal properly, it is best to dress your baby in loose-fitting clothing. Tight outfits can cause friction and irritation around the umbilical area, slowing down the healing process. Opt for soft cotton onesies or shirts that leave the belly exposed to air.

It's also helpful to avoid clothing with waistbands that could rub against the stump. If the weather allows, leaving the baby's belly uncovered for short periods can promote air circulation and faster drying of the stump.

5. Handling The Cord Stump

One key to proper umbilical cord care is avoiding unnecessary handling of the stump. While it might be tempting to touch or pick at it, resist the urge to interfere with the healing process. Allow the cord stump to fall off naturally. Pulling or forcing it to come off prematurely can lead to bleeding or infection.

If the stump does get dirty, such as from urine or stool, gently clean the area with a soft cloth and water. Pat it dry afterward to avoid any moisture accumulation.

6. Recognizing Signs Of Infection

Though rare, infections in the umbilical cord area can occur and require prompt medical attention. It is important to keep an eye on the stump during the healing process and be aware of the warning signs of infection. These include:

a. Redness or swelling around the base of the stump
b. Foul-smelling discharge or pus coming from the area
c. Excessive bleeding from the stump
d. Fever or unusual irritability in the baby

If you notice any of these signs, contact your pediatrician immediately. Infections can be treated with antibiotics, but early intervention is key to preventing more serious complications.

7. When The Cord Stump Falls Off

Typically, the umbilical cord stump falls off between 1 to 3 weeks after birth. When this happens, you might notice a small amount of blood or fluid at the site, which is normal and should resolve within a couple of days. However, continue to monitor the area until it is completely healed.

Once the cord falls off, keep the area clean and dry until the skin heals fully. Continue folding the diaper down away from the belly button and avoid using lotions, powders, or creams on the area unless recommended by your pediatrician.

8. Umbilical Granuloma

In some cases, after the cord stump falls off, you may notice a small lump of tissue that remains at the site of the belly button. This is called an umbilical granuloma. It may appear as a small red or pink bump and can occasionally secrete a small amount of fluid.

While umbilical granulomas usually resolve on their own, some may require medical attention. Your pediatrician might recommend applying a small amount of silver nitrate to the area to help the granuloma heal faster. In any case, if you notice something unusual after the stump has fallen off, it's best to seek medical advice.

9. Preventing Umbilical Cord Issues

The best way to prevent any issues with the umbilical cord is through diligent care. Keeping the area clean, dry, and exposed to air is the most effective way to support the natural healing process. Additionally, make sure to handle your baby gently, especially during diaper changes and clothing swaps, to avoid irritating the area.

By taking preventive measures, parents can ensure that the umbilical cord heals without complications. Be attentive to any changes, and don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician with any concerns.

10. When To Call The Doctor

In most cases, the umbilical cord stump heals without any problems. However, it is important to be aware of situations that require medical attention. Besides the signs of infection mentioned earlier, contact your doctor if the stump hasn't fallen off after 3 weeks or if you notice any unusual growths or protrusions around the belly button after the stump has detached.

Your doctor may also need to intervene if your baby develops an umbilical hernia, which appears as a soft bulge near the belly button and may become more noticeable when the baby cries or strains. While most umbilical hernias resolve on their own, larger hernias may require medical treatment.

As always, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns-your baby's well-being is worth every effort.

In February, Deepika and Ranveer revealed their pregnancy through an Instagram post featuring baby-themed items like onesies and rattles, hinting at a September due date. This happy news came just before they attended the Ambani family's pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar.

The couple maintained a low profile throughout Deepika's pregnancy, sharing only occasional glimpses of their journey. However, they surprised fans with a stunning pregnancy photoshoot just days before the birth.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.