Umbilical Granuloma

Amelia has an umbilical granuloma and basically what it is, according to an internet definition is a small piece of bright red, moist flesh that remains in the umbilicus after cord separation when normal healing should have occurred. It is a small piece of scar tissue, usually on a stalk, that did not become normally covered with skin cells. It contains no nerves and has no feeling. Depending upon when they are more flat or berry-like, these things are either cauterized with silver nitrate, tied off with a suture and allowed to wither and drop off, or just plucked off with a clamp and cauterized.

Her DR tried treating it at her 2 month well baby check up with silver nitrate. It didn't do anything except really tick her off. So, we went to see a pediatric surgeon yesterday and got it taken care of. First we waited an hour in the waiting room. I hate that! After we got in I debated on whether or not I should feed her. We were about 30 minutes over due. I decided to wait knowing that she would be really upset after the procedure and nursing her would be a sure way to calm her down.

The doctor shared his plan of attack with us. First, a shot in the belly of Novocain. If you've never seen a baby get a shot, be glad. It's the saddest thing. Especially when they are asleep or happy. They're in their own little world and then the needle comes and punctures their precious little skin. Then, they get that confused look which quickly turns into sheer pain and screaming. After the shot he clipped the growth and then stuck a giant Q-tip with silver nitrate in her belly button. My poor baby cried and cried until her face and head were sweaty and red. Thankfully, the crying stopped as soon as I got to hold her and love on her.

Now her belly button looks somewhat normal. It should heal quickly. I do have a picture of her granuloma but I thought I'd just put up an internet stranger instead. I'm warning you, it's not pretty.