The goal of this study was to verify the meaning of the umbilical stump, the help offered the new mother in caring of her newborn, and practices concerning the umbilical stump care. Qualitative techniques were employed to interview experienced on newborn care. It has been verified one conclusion arrived at is that the help invested on newborn care is performed by the family according to an hierarchical form whereby the puerpera's mother occupies first place. Such help will influence the new mother's perception of the umbilical stump, as well as her care practices. Thus nursing, in the context of its caring process, must take into consideration the family and its perceptions so that dialogue and mutual respect will be are expected to prevail