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Caring for your baby's umbilical stump
What is the umbilical cord for?
How long will my baby have an umbilical stump?
Does the stump require special care?
What are the signs of infection?
What is the umbilical cord for?
Before she is born, your baby receives all the nourishment and oxygen she needs through the
placenta, an organ which develops in your womb during pregnancy. The placenta is connected
to the baby by the umbilical cord through an opening in her stomach. After your baby is born,
the umbilical cord is clamped and cut in a painless procedure, leaving a 2-3cm umbilical stump.
How long will my baby have an umbilical stump?
Some time between five and 15 days after birth, the stump will dry up, turn black and drop off,
leaving a small wound that may take a few days to heal.
Does the stump require special care?
You must keep it clean and dry to prevent infection. Harmful bacteria that live naturally on the
skin can move up the cord stump causing infection.
Always wash your hands before handling your baby's cord stump. You can avoid the cord
stump getting urine or poo (faeces) on it by folding the nappy down away from it, leaving the
stump uncovered. There is no need to use antiseptic tissues or powder to clean the stump,
unless your baby is premature or in intensive care. If the stump gets urine or poo on it, simply
wash it off using clean water and mild soap.
While waiting for the cord to fall off and heal, it is safe to bath your newborn if you want to.
After the stump falls off, it usually takes about seven to 10 days for the area to heal completely.
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What are the signs of infection?
Talk to your midwife if:
• Your baby develops a fever, has difficulty feeding or appears unwell generally.
• The navel (the area on the abdomen where the cord has dropped off) and the surrounding
area become swollen or red.
• The cord stump becomes swollen or smelly. It is normal for the cord stump to look a bit
"mucky" as it dries up and heals, but this does not mean that it is infected. Ask your midwife or
doctor to check your baby's cord stump if you are worried about its appearance or smell.
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