Postpartum Mothers' Perceptions Regarding Umbilical Cord Care for Newborns in Tanjung Rejo Village, Percut Sei Tuan District

Abstract

Background Proper umbilical cord care for newborns is an important step in preventing neonatal infections. Postpartum mothers' perceptions of umbilical cord care are influenced by knowledge, cultural beliefs, experiences, and sources of information received. Methods: This study used a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach using the snowball sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews. The research informants were 5 postpartum mothers in caring for the umbilical cord. Results: Four main themes were found, namely: mothers' understanding of umbilical cord care still varies, some are in accordance with medical recommendations but others are still less appropriate; cultural beliefs still influence care practices, including the use of traditional ingredients such as turmeric, coconut oil, and powder; mothers' knowledge of signs of umbilical cord infection is mostly limited to mild symptoms, without understanding the risk of systemic complications; mothers' sources of information come from health workers, KIA books, social media, and family and friends, with the dominance of information from families that sometimes contradicts medical standards.