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Originally Posted by GatorNNP  I guess my question here is , are we assuming faster is better? If the cord stump covers a hole through which bacteria and other crap can enter the newborn baby and set up a lovely infection then why are we in such a hurry? I think skin can only grow so fast to cover up the hole so whatever time it takes maybe we shouldn't try to speed it up. You don't really know if the underside is healed over until it comes off so there is not a good way to peek.
1st kid= c/sec, cord clamped with hospital clamp immediately, one or two alcohol rubbies, then goldenseal powder. Took about 16 days.
2nd kid= vag, cord clamped after several minutes no pulsing, and goldenseal powder. Took about 2ish weeks to come off. I did give her a real tub bath at 5 days old.
One good point that one of my mw students examined in newborn class is, are we sure that the goldenseal powder is free of botulism since it is a root and roots grow in the dirt? I don't think safety has been examined. Nor the safety of putting goldenseal on a newborn.
Alcohol doesn't really kill that many germs these days anyway.
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This is so true - though it seems most lotus birth cords fall off within that first week. And I know that thicker cords, including the cords clamped right at birth (
before the birth of the placenta) seem to take longer. So when looking at the question "is faster better?" I'd have to say it doesn't matter - but delayed cord clamping DOES matter. So in that instance, I'd say if it's taking a long time I'd venture to believe that either it was a very thick cord (with tons of Whartons Jelly) or clamped right away at birth.
I don't recommend goldenseal for many reasons, some of which you addressed. First off, it's a foreign substance. If we're going to use anything other than water it should be breastmilk. Goldenseal is also an endangered plant. Next, the powder is fine and can be aspirated by babies.
I think it goes along with bulb syringes - we just can't seem to get away from the ritual of "doing something", even if it isn't helpful and could be harmful.
Also, cords that take longer smell - you know, it IS rotting off the body. It should smell a bit. I think most people start getting worried when it smells and prolong it releasing with alcohol applications.
I also find it interesting that if the cord is left intact for three to four hours you don't need a clamp before cutting. The umbilical arteries and vein start to close down with the babies first breath - and inside they shrink pretty rapidly. I think it would take ALOT to get an infection from the cord stump, especially if delayed cord clamping is involved.
Do I praise delayed cord clamping enough?
