My aunt takes care of her grandson. he is 6 moths old and his belly button keeps poling out. She thinks its a hernia but the rest of the family thinks that its nothing to worry about. Hernias have a hi risk in the family. Off the top of her head she could name 11 people that had hernias before they were year old. Can u tell me what they look like and what to tell her to look for and if this would be painful for the baby and how she should proceed?. she knows if it is to take the baby to the dr. but wanted to be sure that it was one after everyone is dissagreein with her.

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 10:41 pm:

Sounds like an umbilical hernia. I had one, it resolved on it's own. However, Jen and my sister's son both had double inguinal hernias, which they both had surgery for - my sister had that as a child also.

She should have him checked out by a pediatrician - they can diagnose an umbilical hernia and give an opinion as to whether or not the baby should see a surgeon.

By Emily7 on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 12:50 am:

My ds has had a total of 3 hernia surgeries. He had his last sugery when he was a year old & they only fixed one side that time, the other side since then may have fixed itself.
The biggest problem that you have to worry about is if it gets incarcerated & can't be put back by the doctor. If he starts crying uncontrollably, the area is hard & tender to the touch, & if he is vomiting green then you to get him to the doctor asap.
My daughter had a hernia as well, but it fixed itself with no problems, they are really common.
I agree that he needs to be seen by his ped.

By Tink on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 01:33 am:

My dd also had an umbilical hernia. It resolved on it's own when she was about 18 months. It is probably best if she gets him in to the doctor to make sure that all is well.

By Amecmom on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 08:45 am:

By 6 months, I'm sure the baby been to the doctor for shots and well baby visits. Has the doc noticed anything? Has he already been in for his 6 month check up? If not, she can ask then.
Hope you get it resolved.
Ame

By Jewlz on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 06:52 pm:

+.3thanks everyone ..yes the baby has its shots .. and seen the 6 month checkup .. the problem is the mother and everyone else hasnt sen the hernia and ( grandma spends 11 hours aday babysitting while they work) and it dont pooch o ut all the time. so the dr didnt see it.she is watching it and has had a few kids so she knows what to look far. thanks again everyonefor the input

By Emily7 on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 08:02 pm:

If the check ups are anything like my kids have the doctor should have felt the belly area & should have noticed it. She noticed my dd's before I did just by feel.