Caring for female genitals: A guide for parents
As parents, our child’s comfort and health is top priority. One integral aspect of this is laying the foundations for proper hygiene, and this is especially important when caring for our little girls genitals during nappy changes. In this blog we will cover anatomy, nappy changes (including some of our top tips!), 🚩 red flags to look out for and the importance of fostering body positivity.
Female anatomy
It is essential for all caregivers to understand the anatomy of female genitals. The vulva is the term used to describe all of the visible structures that make the female external genitalia, including the labia, clitoris and vaginal opening. Families may have their own terms used when referring to female genitals, however it is often encouraged to use anatomically correct names where possible, to allow for open communication, body safety and normalising body parts.
Nappy changes:
〰️ Gather everything you will need for the nappy change, this will save you lunging and reaching for items mid change! Think wipes, nappy, nappy cream if needed, a change of clothes.
〰️ When wiping your baby girl, wipe from the front to the back, towards the bottom. This is important to minimise the risk of infection. Gently clean in all the creases and bottom, but avoid spreading the labia. Make sure any visible stool is wiped clean.
〰️ If needing to apply nappy cream, apply this as a thick layer. A tip is to make sure you can’t see the skin to the area it is needed. It is not necessary to remove all of the nappy cream from previous nappy changes, unless contaminated.
〰️ You will come to learn if it is best to change your baby’s nappy before or after a feed!
〰️ As your bub gets older, they may resist nappy changes, tossing and turning about (which can be such a struggle!). A top tip we have is to always be prepared by having something handy for them to play with and grab their attention.
Red flags to watch out for
🚩 Pain or burning without or when urinating
🚩 Red or swollen vulva
🚩 Bleeding or discharge from the vaginal area (vaginal bleeding in the first week of life can be caused by the normal withdrawal of maternal hormones during pregnancy)
🚩 Fever, abdominal pain and/or vomiting (these could be signs of a urinary tract infection)
🚩 If you notice any of these signs or are concerned for any other reason, it is important to follow up with your trusted medical professional.
As our children grow, it is important to help them foster a positive attitude towards their body. Using correct names for body parts and teaching the importance of personal hygiene in a positive way, will help lay the foundations for a lifetime of healthy practices.
This blog is written by Shayna, a NICU/Emergency Nurse and Mum to her young daughter.
References:
https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Urinary_tract_infection/
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/vulval_skin_care_for_girls/
The quick thinking of Warrnambool parents Lucy and Pat Mahony saved their 18-month-old son Ollie from serious scars for life after he pulled a cup of coffee onto himself.
How do I check my baby’s temperature? 🤒 What is the best way to check a baby’s temperature? There are so many different types and brands of thermometers out there. What thermometer should I buy?
We're here to answer all your questions!
When our little loves are in pain, we want nothing more than to help them. This guide discusses common pain reliving medications that we can use to help alleviate their pain, as well as when and why we use them.