The newborn’s umbilical cord is the part that is cut and clamped after birth leaving the umbilical cord stump.
During pregnancy, the baby survived by reason of the nourishment and oxygen transported from the placenta through the umbilical cord. It is attached to the baby through an opening in the abdomen. At birth, the baby CA breath on his own and get nourishment from feeding, it is a sign that the umbilical cord is due to be cut off.
The umbilical cord stump will dry up and fall off within three weeks, if it doesn’t fall off after three weeks, contact a doctor. There is no need to panic unless in a case the stump shows signs of infection.
Care of the umbilical cord stump
Keep the stump and surrounding area free from moist. Use cotton swabs or wash clothes to clean the base of the stump. There is no need to clean the stump except in cases where it is accidentally messed up with poop or something similar. In such case, use warm water to clean the stump and dry it afterwards.
Do not apply alcohol to the stump, it is an outdated practice. Experts no longer recommend the use of alcohol for umbilical cord stump care.
Keep the baby diapers below the stump so the stump can get enough air.
Change the baby’s diaper regularly so that urine does not soak towards the stump.
Avoid tight clothes for the baby until the stump falls off.
Clean any discharge with a wet cotton swab followed by a dry one.
Do not attempt to pull the stump even if it seems to be hanging by a thin thread, this may result in bleeding.
Continue to clean the belly button with mild soap and warm water after the stump falls.
Signs of an infected umbilical cord stump
- Active bleeding from the stump
- Redness and swelling of the base of the stump
- Foul smell from the stump
- Fever
Still having concerns about the care and healing process of the umbilical cord stump, reach out to a doctor.