What are the risks for an infant with an Umbilical Hernia?

My two week old son has what I'm pretty sure is an umbilical hernia. his entire navel pokes out from his abdomen, more so when he cries or strains. He also has a slight bulge that runs up the length of his abdomen. Everything I've read in baby care books, on the internet, and in my own training as an Infant Care Specialist says that it is a condition that requires some supervision, in case intestinal strangulation or some other complication ocurrs. When I called the doctor, however, she said that there arent any risks with umbilical hernias, only with groinal hernias, and that there is no need to have him looked at. He doesnt seem in pain, and I'm not really worried about him, but i was bothered by her seeming lack of concern. Is everything I know wrong? Is an umbilical hernia always completely harmless? If so, why all the warnings from medical sites and care training?

Please, only experienced or truly knowlegeable answers.

Back in the "day",all babies with a poked out navel's got the pleasure of wearing a "belly band" to never stayed on when it was put around their abdomens. My mom would fuss & hound me when I wouldn't have one on my new son. There is no needed treatment but do be watchful of his belly.etc. That weakness in the muscle wall of the abdomen will usually resolves itself as the baby grows.Congrat's on your new baby. Take care. SW RNP

Sorry,I mean to watch his belly for symptoms that would include feeding intolerance's,abd. ,distension.,colicky cramps,N&V,unconsolable crying.Increase in protrusion of abd. wall. SW RNP Report It

I had that. I am okay 25 years later. I also had a double regular hernia. I am pretty sure they operate on it and stuff everything back in.

They are waiting until he is older because if the risk of infection and the chance that it might go away.

My son was born with an umbilical hernia. The doctor told me I shouldn't worry about it as it wouldn't adversely effect him. He's 18 now and the bulge is completely gone. He never had any health problems concerning the hernia either.