During the healing process, it's typical to see a little blood near the stump. Much like a scab, the cord stump might bleed a little when it falls off. However, contact your baby's health care provider if the umbilical area oozes pus, the surrounding skin becomes red and swollen, or the area develops a pink moist bump.
Slight bleeding from the umbilical cord stump is generally not serious and usually resolves within the first few weeks after birth.
Umbilical cord or belly button bleeding
It's normal to spot a few drops of blood on your baby's diaper after his stump falls off, but you should monitor any additional umbilical cord bleeding closely. Contact your baby's doctor if a small amount of bleeding lasts for more than three days.
Normal cords don't need any special treatment. Just keep them dry (called natural drying).
"After the cord falls off, the stump may be moist and have bit of bleeding around the edges," says Gritchen. You can "simply wash with soap and water and pat dry," she adds. After the belly button area is completely healed and dry, you can begin a normal bath rountine for your baby.
Overview: The belly button will ooze secretions for several days after the cord falls off. Normal secretions are clear or blood tinged mucus. A cloudy discharge is usually a mild infection.
During the healing process, it's typical to see a little blood near the stump. Much like a scab, the cord stump might bleed a little when it falls off. However, contact your baby's health care provider if the umbilical area oozes pus, the surrounding skin becomes red and swollen, or the area develops a pink moist bump.
It is normal for the belly button to look a bit mucky or to have a red spot where the cord used to be. It can also be smelly and have some clear, sticky or brownish ooze that might leave a stain on your baby's nappy or clothes. This is part of the healing process, which may take up to seven days to mend completely.
Remember, you do not need to put any creams on the umbilical stump or cover it with a bandage. The best thing you can do is to let it heal on its own. It is also not advisable to use alcoholic wipes on the stump as this can cause irritation to the surrounding skin and delay the healing process.
Signs of an Infected Umbilical Cord Stump
A smelly yellow discharge from the stump area. A reddening of the skin around the stump. Swelling of the navel area. Your baby crying when you touch the stump, indicating it is tender or sore.
The stump should dry and fall off by the time your baby is 5 to 15 days old. Keep the stump clean with gauze and water only. Sponge bathe the rest of your baby, as well. Do not put your baby in a tub of water until the stump has fallen off.
Once the umbilical cord has fallen off and the belly button has healed, you can give your baby her first real bath. The basic principles of warmth and comfort still apply, and supplies should still be within reach. Aim for an every-other-day bath; a daily bath is more apt to dry your baby's delicate skin.
How often does my newborn need a bath? There's no need to give your newborn baby a bath every day. Three times a week might be enough until your baby becomes more mobile. Bathing your baby too much can dry out your baby's skin.
Infections in newborns remain a leading cause of death worldwide, and doctors believe umbilical cord infections (UCIs) are a major factor in this. However, in developed nations, serious complications from UCIs are rare, as long as the baby receives prompt medical treatment.
Comparing the results of the studies included in this review, breast milk is not only effective in shortening the separation time of the umbilical cord over dry cord care but is just as effective in reducing signs of infection as the antimicrobial chlorhexidine.
Hiccups are normal and usually don't hurt your baby. In younger babies, hiccups are usually a sign that they need to be seated upright during or after feeding, that feeding needs to be slower for them, or that they need more time before or after feeding to relax.
When should I start tummy time? Tummy time should start soon after birth as part of a pleasurable daily routine. You might begin with 1 to 2 minutes a few times a day. Over time, you can gradually build up to 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day.
Accumulation of dirt and debris.
Your belly button is home to many types of bacteria. You may also have fungi (like the yeast called Candida) and other germs in there. Combine that with dead skin cells and the natural oils from your skin and you've got the recipe for an unpleasant odor.
Bacterial Infection
If you think you have an infection in your belly button, you should call your doctor so that you can have the area cleaned carefully. You may also need prescription antibiotics to kill the bacteria before it spread to other parts of your body.
Bacterial infection of the umbilical stump with spread to the skin around it. It's a medical emergency.
Babies might only take in half ounce per feeding for the first day or two of life, but after that will usually drink 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding. This amount increases to 2 to 3 ounces by 2 weeks of age. At about 2 months of age, babies usually take 4 to 5 ounces per feeding every 3 to 4 hours.
At first, the stump might look shiny and yellow. But as it dries out, it may turn brown or gray or even purplish or blue. It'll shrivel and turn black before it falls off on its own. Usually, it comes off between 10 and 14 days after your baby is born, but can take as long as 21 days.