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Does Bellybutton Pus Require Medication Post Detachment Of Umbilical Cord?
Question: Hello doctor.. I have a couple of queries regarding my newborn who is 10 days old..
1) The umbilical cord detached a few days ago and there seems to be a bit of pus in his belly button..do i need to put any ointment?
2)Is it normal for him to take fast breaths? I have counted 40-50 breaths per minute.
3)He spits up some milk after a feed often. I have a good supply i feel im overfeeding. His bowel movement and urination is good. Should i be worried about the occasional spit ups?
Thank you so much for your time in answering my questions.
1) The umbilical cord detached a few days ago and there seems to be a bit of pus in his belly button..do i need to put any ointment?
2)Is it normal for him to take fast breaths? I have counted 40-50 breaths per minute.
3)He spits up some milk after a feed often. I have a good supply i feel im overfeeding. His bowel movement and urination is good. Should i be worried about the occasional spit ups?
Thank you so much for your time in answering my questions.
Brief Answer:
Don't worry, All these are normal in this age
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for asking on this platform
I can understand your concern.
I am trying to answer your queries one by one.
First regarding the fall of umbilical cord.Presence of secretion following fall of cord with some redness at the point of detachment is normal. I won't get worried if the secretion is not foul smelling, there is no XXXXXXX pus/persistent bleeding or any redness in the surrounding skin.
In most of the cases these secretions dried up within 3-4 days. There is no specific care needed for the umbilical stump. This is also called dry cord care, this means you need to keep the cord dry only.You can wipe off the secretion with help of wet cotton(use sterile water and maintain proper hygiene during the cleaning).
If you notice any significant abnormality mentioned above please consult your pediatrician.
Now coming to your second query. It is quite normal to take 40-50 breaths per minute in this age. If rate is very high like more than 60-80 or if there is associated chest in drawing(rate can be high after feed but there will be no chest indrwaing) please consult your pediatrician.
Spitting small amount of milk is also very common and it can be there after each feed. This is due to poor muscle/valve maturity of food pipe and swallowing of air during feed. This can be decreased by proper burping after each feed and by keeping him upright for about 10-15 minutes after feed.
So don't worry.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Wishing all good health for your baby.
Regards
Don't worry, All these are normal in this age
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for asking on this platform
I can understand your concern.
I am trying to answer your queries one by one.
First regarding the fall of umbilical cord.Presence of secretion following fall of cord with some redness at the point of detachment is normal. I won't get worried if the secretion is not foul smelling, there is no XXXXXXX pus/persistent bleeding or any redness in the surrounding skin.
In most of the cases these secretions dried up within 3-4 days. There is no specific care needed for the umbilical stump. This is also called dry cord care, this means you need to keep the cord dry only.You can wipe off the secretion with help of wet cotton(use sterile water and maintain proper hygiene during the cleaning).
If you notice any significant abnormality mentioned above please consult your pediatrician.
Now coming to your second query. It is quite normal to take 40-50 breaths per minute in this age. If rate is very high like more than 60-80 or if there is associated chest in drawing(rate can be high after feed but there will be no chest indrwaing) please consult your pediatrician.
Spitting small amount of milk is also very common and it can be there after each feed. This is due to poor muscle/valve maturity of food pipe and swallowing of air during feed. This can be decreased by proper burping after each feed and by keeping him upright for about 10-15 minutes after feed.
So don't worry.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Wishing all good health for your baby.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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