Umbilical bandage for hernia in newborns

An umbilical hernia in a child is diagnosed already at birth, or the pathology occurs after a few weeks, which is associated with congenital weakness of the umbilical ring and a frequent increase in intra-abdominal pressure. There are several forms of diseases in infants - embryonic, umbilical cord and acquired.

For each type of illness, the doctor will prescribe an umbilical hernia bandage for newborns in order to prevent complications before surgical treatment. Babies need a special belt to prevent even more of the organ from entering the hernial sac.

An umbilical hernia in infants can disappear on its own, which is facilitated by a supporting corset, but this happens extremely rarely, because the belt remains a temporary measure before surgery.

A special belt can also be prescribed for newborns to prevent the appearance of an umbilical hernia, when, against the background of congenital muscle weakness, there is a predisposition to the disease. You can use such a bandage after the umbilical cord is fused.

Treatment of hernia in children and bandage

A children's bandage for a hernia is an elastic belt, in the center of which there is an applicator that puts pressure on the protrusion of the umbilical ring. The child should wear it during the day and at night, but it should be periodically removed and a light massage of the abdomen should be done so that blood circulation is not disturbed.

It is very important to choose the right umbilical hernia bandage for newborns so that the skin in the navel area does not squeeze, there is no irritation and rubbing.

The use of a bandage must be combined with the provision of physical activity:

Before each feeding, the child should be laid on the tummy for 15-20 minutes, this helps to strengthen the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, which will be useful both for the prevention and treatment of an existing hernia of the umbilical ring.
It is important to stimulate the active independent movement of the child, which will help putting hands under the heels.
Every day you can perform a massage of the tummy, for which it is enough to do light stroking and pinching of the skin.
Swimming is also useful for a child, because you can bathe him in the bathroom every day, which will help strengthen the muscles of not only the abdominal wall, but also the back.

A pediatric surgeon will also recommend a special patch, but unlike an umbilical bandage, it has more disadvantages. This version of hernia fixation holds only the area of the umbilical ring, and the belt wraps well around the entire abdomen, which contributes to an even distribution of the load. The patch is removed painfully, which will provoke the crying of the baby, and this only exacerbates the symptoms of a hernia.

A properly selected belt does not restrict movement and absorbs moisture well, but the patch can lead to severe irritation.

The benefits of the umbilical belt with a hernia

At a time when there were no special supporting bandages for children with an umbilical hernia, parents fixed the protrusion with adhesive tape and applied a coin to the navel, but now this is not necessary, because the corset simultaneously sets the hernia and prevents it from being infringed.

Children's bandage for umbilical hernia has the following advantages:

wearing a belt reduces intra-abdominal pressure, which increases during the screaming and crying of a child, which prevents prolapse of organs through the umbilical ring;
the bandage is easy to use, it is easy to put on and take off without discomfort;
the belt is hypoallergenic, the baby will not have a rash and inflammation of the skin;
the bandage can be washed, it has a long service life, it will have to be purchased only once.

If we compare the umbilical bandage with a patch, then the latter is cheaper, but it has much more disadvantages. The hernia belt securely fixes the child's stomach, eliminates pain and irritation. It is permissible to alternate these two devices, which will make it clear which remedy is more suitable for treatment.

Indications and contraindications

A bandage for umbilical hernia is indicated to prevent complications, to exclude compression of organs and pain. Many doctors recommend the use of a corset to prevent disease in premature babies who are at risk for hernia. The belt will also be useful for children with indigestion, when there is frequent bloating or constipation.

The umbilical belt also has contraindications:

infringement of a hernia - this condition is an indication for surgery, squeezing the navel with a belt in this case will only hurt, because the clamping of organs in the hernial sac is often accompanied by inflammation, therefore there is a risk of spreading the infection;
incomplete healing of the navel - immediately after birth, the bandage is not used, because it interferes with the normal scarring of the umbilical cord, the belt is applied after overgrowth;
a tendency to diaper rash - the corset is a little, but it rubs the skin, which will be a factor in the appearance of diaper rash and irritation, but the right choice of a children's belt will help eliminate this.

How to choose

It is necessary to select a bandage for a child only with the attending physician. It is important to pay attention to the material, inserts, the level of rigidity and the quality of fit to the body. The belt must absorb moisture and be hypoallergenic, and as soon as skin irritation appears, the corset must be changed.

How to properly put on a bandage:

the skin of the child must be dry, otherwise diaper rash and irritation will appear;
you need to put on a belt on a naked body;
before fixing, you need to carefully set the defect without applying force;
the applicator of the belt must fit exactly to the hernia;
after fixing the corset, you need to make sure that it does not restrict movement and does not cause discomfort to the child.

Pediatricians and surgeons are categorically against the use of improvised means as an alternative to a bandage.

Only a special belt for the baby can provide the desired action without risks. It is equally important for an umbilical hernia in an infant to do massage and exercises that the instructor will teach. An integrated approach can lead to a cure without the need for hernia repair, but when indications for surgery have already appeared, treatment cannot be postponed, otherwise there is a threat to the health and life of the child.