<![CDATA[Background: Umbilical cord care is an essential component of neonatal care aimed at preventing infection and promoting the physiological separation of the umbilical cord. Breast milk contains various bioactive components, including lysozyme, lactoferrin, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and growth factors, which possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to tissue healing. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of topical breast milk application on umbilical cord separation time in newborns at Wangon I and Jatilawang Community Healthcare Centers. Methods: This quantitative study employed a quasi-experimental approach using a post-test-only non-equivalent control group design. The study included 60 newborns selected through purposive sampling, consisting of 30 infants in the intervention group who received topical breast milk application and 30 infants in the control group who received open umbilical cord care. Univariate analysis was performed to describe the respondents' characteristics, while bivariate analysis was conducted using the Mann–Whitney test. Results: Most respondents were female (33 infants; 55%), and the majority had a birth weight of 3,001–3,500 grams (31 infants; 51.7%). In the intervention group, 17 infants (56.7%) experienced rapid umbilical cord separation, while 13 infants (43.3%) had normal separation. In the control group, 15 infants (50.0%) experienced normal umbilical cord separation, whereas 13 infants (43.3%) experienced delayed separation. The Mann–Whitney test yielded a p-value of 0.001 (p < 0.05), indicating a statistically significant effect of topical breast milk application on umbilical cord separation time. Conclusion: Topical application of breast milk has a significant effect on accelerating umbilical cord separation in newborns.]]>
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