The Effects of Two Bathing Methods on the Time of Separation of Umbilical Cord in Term Babies in Turkey

Abstract

Background:Umbilical cord infection developing subsequent to bacterial colonization is one of the outstanding reasons of newborn mortality and morbidity in underdeveloped and developing countriesObjectives:This study aimed to evaluate the influence of sponge and tub bathing methods on umbilical cord separation time in full term babies in Turkey.Patients and Methods:This quasi-experimental and randomized controlled study was performed on 100 healthy term newborn babies and their mothers. One-hundred full-term babies (51 sponge bathing, 49 tub bathing) born at a state hospital between 14.03.2013 and 18.05.2013 with gestational age of 38-42 weeks, weighing 2500 grams and above and met the selection criteria were included as the study sample. Two booklets were prepared about sponge bathing and tub bathing. Mothers were instructed about sponge bathing and tub bathing, umbilical cord care in prenatal and postnatal periods. The first postnatal visit was performed at the hospital. Home visits and telephone calls were continued until the day of cord separation. Number, percent, mean and standard deviation values, qui-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data assessment.Results:The time of separation of umbilical cord in babies who were given sponge bathing (6.1 ± 1.4) was shorter compared to those given tub bathing (8.3 ± 2.5) (P < 0.005).Conclusions:Since wetting of umbilical cord during tub bathing delays the separation of umbilical cord, sponge bathing is recommended for newborns until the umbilical cord falls off.

Comparison between effectiveness of umbilical cord care using topical breast milk application and dry techniques in accelerating umbilical cord separation and preventing omphalitis

“…13 Delayed umbilical cord separation can increase the risk of infection. [12][13][14][15] Rapid separation of the umbilical cord can reduce the risk of cord infection because the cord as a vulnerable area for colonization of germs only stays for a short time on the infant's body.…”

“…Umbilical cord infection develops after bacterial colonization and is one of the causes of newborn mortality and morbidity in under-developed and developing countries. 6,[12][13][14][15] Approximately 23% to 91% of umbilical cords that are not treated using antiseptics will be infected by Staphylococcus aureus during the first 72 hours after birth. 15 These bacteria can cause pustules, conjunctivitis, pyoderma, and omphalitis or umbilical cord infections.…”

“…Without treatment, death may occur within few days. 9,[12][13][14][15] The umbilical cord is usually separated from the body between 5 and 15 days after birth. Before the umbilical cord is separated, the remaining stump can be considered as undergoing the wound healing process and thus become a route that makes it possible for blood vessel to be infected and for the infection to be spread through the infant's bloodstream.…”

“…12 This delay of umbilical cord separation can increase the risk of infection. [12][13][14][15] Dry cord care after birth is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) although many recent studies have found colonization rates of Staphylococcus aureus to be high in infants who do not receive topical antimicrobial on the cord. 5,6 The method that is currently being developed for the umbilical cord is umbilical cord care using topical breast milk.…”

“…Colostrum also contains a significant number of complementary components that act as natural antimicrobial agents and protective factors that provide specific and nonspecific passive immunity. [12][13][14][15] Use of topical breast milk containing colostrum in cord care is effective to reduce the colonization of pathogenic organisms (Staphylococcus) in the umbilical cord compared to not using antimicrobial or dry technique. 17,18,19 This study aimed to compare umbilical cord separation time and incidence of omphalitis in the application of topical breast milk, open dry, and closed dry techniques in newborn umbilical cord care.…”