Factors Associated with Umbilical Cord Stump Healing Practices: Literature Review

Objective: To analyze the evidence in the evolution of scientific production on the factors associated with curative practices of the umbilical stump. Materials and Methods: The study data collection took place in April 2017. The electronic databases used to search the articles were: PubMed (National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health) and VHL (Virtual Health Library). We used the keywords “perinatal care”, “umbilical cord”, “patient care team”, “neonatology”, “newborn”, in the Portuguese, English and Spanish languages, accompanied by the expression AND and selected through DeCS (Descriptors in Health Sciences). Results: A final sample of 9 articles was obtained from the PubMed and VHL databases, which met the inclusions criteria. It has been found that traditional umbilical stump care practices are still present in many communities, however, have been replaced by appropriate practices, the most recommended being: chlorhexidine 4% sanitation, soap and water and alcohol antisepsis 70%. Conclusions: There is a need for multi-professional involvement, approaching these women since pregnancy, with detailed information and accessible language about proper care with the newborn and the umbilical stump.