The Effect of Topical Application of Mother Breast Milk Versus Distilled Water and Alcohol on Separation Time of Umbilical Cord Stump Among Neonates

Abstract

Umbilical cord infections donate to the increased morbidity and mortality in neonates of developing countries, where neonates are exposed to unhygienic practices. The aim of the study was to monitor the effect of topical application of breast milk compared to distilled water and alcohol on separation time of umbilical cord stump among neonates.Methods: This research was a randomized clinical trial done on 90 mature neonates that were placed randomly in the three groups of study. The umbilical cord separation time was compared in the three groups.Results: Mean time of cord separation in human milk application group (6.72±1.66) was significantly shorter than distilled water and alcohol groups. Moreover, the bleeding continuation after separation (day) was significantly shorter (p<0.001) among breast milk group than distilled water group and majority of neonates among the 3 groups didn't have any signs of umbilical cord infection. Conclusion:Topical application of human milk on the remaining part of the cord reduces the cord separation time and it can be used as an easy and cheap way for cord care.

Topical Use of Human Milk in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

“…Location of human milk application. 12,13,[15][16][17][21][22][23][24][25]29,[31][32][33][34][35][36] Brodbeck et al It should be noted that even applying HM 1×/d was found to be effective; therefore, mothers should be educated that "applying human milk even once is more effective than not at all." It should also be noted that although applying HM topically with every breastfeed was found to have mixed results, mothers should also be educated that no physical harm will come to the infant if HM is applied more than necessary.…”

“…All of the articles that defined the dosage of HM topical treatment as "4 to 6 drops" were significant. [22][23][24]…”

“…In fact, at least 4 articles reported that the topical application of HM resulted in less incidence of infection, therefore, positively affecting the safety events. [22][23][24][25]…”

“…Dosage of human milk application. 16,[22][23][24]29,33,34,36 Topical Use of Human Milk in the NICU strong scholarly evidence to be evaluated quantitatively; however, when dissecting the attitudes of the caregivers, the words "rapid improvement" were analyzed as being a positive response.…”

“…For example, the "drops" often equated to what spilled out of the mother's breasts as they hand expressed milk directly on to their infant's skin. 22 The purpose of this literature review was to justify HM as a treatment for DD; however, the diaper area was evaluated in only 2 of 20 articles. To achieve our purpose, we would need to translate the results of articles that applied HM to other areas of the body to DD.…”