Bellybutton Care

Eunice - posted on 05/12/2009

Just an update: we saw the pediatrician today and she confirmed that it is a hernia. Right now we're just waiting to see if it will totally close on its own. If not, then she will need to undergo surgery to close it up.



Thanks again!

Eunice - posted on 05/09/2009

Her belly button isn't infected at all and looks very healthy. There is only what looks like a scab from where the cord broke off.

Thanks for all the encouragement everybody! I'll be sure to point it out to the pediatrician on our next visit and find out if it's totally okay.

Happy Mother's Day everbody!

Allison - posted on 05/09/2009

My son's cord fell off at 3-4 weeks, and it looked a lot like an outie. Turns out it was infected and antibiotics cleared it right up. If hers looks red or oozes at all get it checked by her doctor.

Joy - posted on 05/09/2009

Quoting Bryanne:

My daughter is 11 months old and hers still sticks out the doctor said its not anything big to worry about until about 2 years, apparently if it doesn't go in on its own it could be a distended hernia and they may have to do surgery but I wouldn't worry. Talk to your doctor about it and see if he has concerns.

After reading that, you reminded me of the nurse at my pediatrician's office.  Her daughter had to have that surgery for the distended hernia so I need to change my previous statement a little.  But I'm sure her doctor will be keeping an eye out on it and will address it if it becomes an issue.  Some kids are just outies though and that's just part of what they look like. 

Bryanne - posted on 05/09/2009

My daughter is 11 months old and hers still sticks out the doctor said its not anything big to worry about until about 2 years, apparently if it doesn't go in on its own it could be a distended hernia and they may have to do surgery but I wouldn't worry. Talk to your doctor about it and see if he has concerns.

Joy - posted on 05/09/2009

I don't think it's something to worry about, to be honest with you. I definitely wouldn't use any kind of brace (unless it's ok with your doctor) or tape any coins to her. I've never heard of a brace to flatten a belly button (so I can't comment on that) but a coin could come off and she could choke on it. Whether it goes in or stays an outie, it'll only be a wierd looking belly button if you make her feel like it's wierd. When she gets older, if she's still an outie, kids may pick on her for it but kids are kids. I got picked on for my flat feet and red hair....it's part of being a kid and I survived and did my own share of picking on the other kids too lol. She's a cutie just the way she is!

Betti - posted on 05/09/2009

Know whats funny and the ol' wives tale? Tape a 50 cent peice over it until it goes to an inny. My opinion...and only mine, I really don't think I'd worry about it, cuz it will change all by itself and in time. Maybe this will help...I hope so!

Cathelijn - posted on 05/09/2009

my daughter had the same thing she is 5 and a half months now and it has gone in.

Kristie - posted on 05/09/2009

My daughter is 15mth old hers still sticks out it never went back in. It don't seem to bother her either

Tara - posted on 05/09/2009

It should go in on it's own. If it's really sticking out badly, or seems badly swollen, I would have your doctor/pediatrician check to see if she has an umbilical hernia. It's fairly common (my dad had one in his 50's), but it's really easy to fix, and doesn't have any lasting effects.

Samantha - posted on 05/09/2009

It should go in on its own.