Application of Family-Centered Care in Neonatal Umbilical Cord Care: A Two-Case Description of Dry Care and Topical Breast Milk Application

Background: Umbilical cord care is an important part of neonatal care to support umbilical cord release and prevent infection. The Family Centered Care (FCC) approach encourages family involvement in newborn care. Objective: Describe the application of FCC in neonatal umbilical cord care using Topical Breast Milk and dry methods. Methods: The study used a descriptive case study design on two neonates at Koja Hospital, North Jakarta, in June 2026. Data were collected through studies, interviews, education, demonstrations, return demonstrations, and observation of umbilical cord conditions. Family involvement and ability were assessed based on maternal participation in care, understanding of education, ability to practice umbilical cord care, and ability to recognize signs of infection in the umbilical cord. Data were analyzed descriptively by describing the findings in each case. Results: In the first case with topical breast milk, the umbilical cord detached spontaneously at 3 days 8 hours 10 minutes of age, while in the second case with the dry method, the umbilical cord detached at 4 days 12 hours 5 minutes after birth. During the observation period, no signs of infection were found in both neonates. The application of FCC includes education, practice mentoring, monitoring of umbilical cord conditions, and family involvement in neonatal care. Conclusions: The application of FCC can support family involvement in neonatal umbilical cord care through education and practice mentoring. Findings regarding umbilical cord release timing and clinical conditions in both cases are descriptive and cannot be used to prove the comparative effectiveness or safety of topical Topical Breast Milk methods and dry methods