One of the most common defects in newborns and infants is umbilical hernia. By about 3 years of age, the hernia usually closes on its own. However, parents in every possible way try to avoid any health problems of their baby by using an umbilical hernia bandage for newborns. How effective is this invention? We learn further in the article.
Bandage for newborns for umbilical hernia: a necessity or a fashion?
To eliminate an umbilical hernia, our grandmothers applied a coin to a strange formation on the stomach, mothers glued it with a band-aid, and the current generation uses special bandages. What it is? An umbilical hernia bandage for newborns is a soft pectoral girdle with a slight bulge - a hernial limiter. Bandages are used for a long time, so when buying it is worth paying attention to the materials from which the bandage is made. They must be hypoallergenic, wear resistant and washable.
The umbilical bandage exerts soft pressure (compression) in the area of the hernial outgrowth, and prevents its further protrusion. The bandage contributes to the rapid narrowing of the umbilical ring, and moreover, prevents pinching of organs. The use of an umbilical hernia bandage for newborns is not recommended until the umbilical wound heals. As for the recommendations of the manufacturers, everything is clear: it is profitable for them to sell this invention, but what do the doctors say? Doctors were divided into two camps: some keep up to date and appoint umbilical bandages, others are sure that wearing a support belt is absolutely pointless.
Why are doctors against it?
Based on repeated studies, most pediatricians around the world are opponents of umbilical bandages. They explain their decision with the following points:
- The possibility of infringement of a hernia in infants is practically absent.
- As the child’s muscular skeleton grows older or stronger, the umbilical ring closes spontaneously.
- A hernial protrusion is not a disease, and a cosmetic defect in the navel area does not cause the child any inconvenience.
- Immediately after complete healing of the navel, it is important to regularly lay the baby on the tummy, exercise with it and do massage. These recommendations will help to quickly tighten the umbilical ring, rather than wearing a bandage.
Parents have a special responsibility for the health of the baby and for the appearance of his tummy. Moms and dads need to make every effort to prevent surgery.
Reviews
There are many reviews of umbilical hernia brace for newborns. Having studied them, you can come to the following conclusions of mothers:
- Doubtful use of umbilical cord. This is explained by the fact that in a newborn child in the first few months of his life the abdomen does not bulge out like in an older child, therefore, the bandage constantly moves, does not stay in a fixed position and slides, without exerting any positive effect.
- The bandage does not allow air to pass through, which causes the baby's skin to suffer, rashes, irritation and sweating appear.
- Many mothers claim that their older children did fine without an umbilical bandage, supposedly from this expensive belt there is neither harm nor benefit. It is necessary to pay more attention to the physical activity of the child: spread on the tummy for several hours a day, exercise and use physical fitness and use fitball in training.
- A homemade pull-up belt will not hurt. Our parents are brought up in such a way that in case of any pathology or malaise, it is urgent to seek medical treatment from doctors, otherwise you will not recover. Therefore, when young mothers and fathers, after consulting with a pediatrician and surgeon, decide not to use an umbilical bandage, then grandmothers beg to do at least something, at least put a coin, even bandage the film, but just do not let everything go by its own accord.
Moms do not see much benefit from wearing a bandage, sticking an umbilical hernia with tape, dressing the baby’s belly, etc.
Homemade bandage
Parents can study the photo of the umbilical hernia brace for newborns and try to build something similar on their own. Next, we consider the important requirements that must be observed when creating an umbilical bandage:
- The bandage should be made of natural fabric (cotton, gauze, elastic bandage).
- The umbilical bandage has a slight bulge, which is superimposed on the hernia. This bulge can be created by sewing a button or cotton ball to the center of the belt.
- For comfortable use of the bandage, you need to sew Velcro pads to the belt, so you can control the strength of the abdomen.
It is quite possible to make a bandage for an umbilical hernia for newborns with your own hands, but you can only use it for a while. If your baby is more than three years old, then stop self-medicating and go to the surgeon to arrange an operation. In addition to age, there is another indication for urgent surgery - pain at the site of a hernia.
Contraindications for surgery
There are some situations in which surgery is prohibited:
- Pathological location of internal organs.
- A significant decrease in immunity.
- Problems with the cardiovascular system.
- Allergy to anesthesia drugs.
- Other chronic pathologies.
Sometimes contraindications have a time frame, after which you should again consult a surgeon for advice. Despite the above cases, parents need to prevent organ infringement in every possible way, that is, minimize pressure on the press and control the child’s nutrition. Wearing a bandage can help to avoid any consequences, only parents can decide.
Umbilical brace Orlett
Orlett's Umbilical Hernia Bandage is renowned for its value for money. This device holds the umbilical hernia qualitatively and prevents organ injuries. The manufacturer does not recommend using a bandage for a child older than three years. Consider the features of the Orlett bandage:
- Made of durable material that bends easily and is pleasant to the touch.
- Has a Velcro pad for adjusting the size.
- The bandage consists of hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly materials.
For proper use of the bandage, it should be worn in a supine position when the hernial protrusion is less pronounced.