Hi! Let’s talk about taking care of the umbilical stump, or the navel, after your babies are born. So exciting!
So, it’s very important to keep this area clean and dry. Do not give the baby a bath until the umbilical cord, or umbilical stump, falls off. It usually takes about 1-2 weeks to fall off. In the meantime, you can give the baby a sponge bath or even wipe the baby’s skin.
Also, it’s very important to keep the diaper folded under the navel. This is to prevent any soaking from the urine or rubbing that can promote infections. If you notice that the navel is bleeding actively, or if it has a yellowish discharge, turns really red around it, or when you touch it the baby cries because it’s getting very tender, then you need to immediately call us and let us know. It’s not unusual for babies to have a little dried blood after it falls off in their diapers or clothes, but if it is actively bleeding, you immediately need to let us know or take the baby to the ER. Always call us with any concerns. Thank you very much.
