GotoMyDoc - Pregnancy - Post Partum

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Post partum

Care of the umbilical cord

It will take 7 - 10 days for the remaining piece of umbilical cord to dry and fall off. How the navel appears after the cord falls off, is basically the luck of the draw. Some people have “innies” and some have “outies.” There really is no way to predict how the area will heal.

While it is thick and moist, the cord stub has a risk of getting infected --so here are some suggested ways to take care of the umbilical cord:

When bathing your baby, wash the umbilical cord with soap and water. Dry it thoroughly by patting with a towel, not rubbing.
Apply isopropyl alcohol ( most commonly found in rubbing alcohol) around the base of the umbilical cord using swabs or alcohol soaked cotton balls.
Cleanse around the umbilical cord after diapering.
Fold the front of the diaper below the umbilical cord to avoid irritation. Some disposable diaper manufacturers make diapers with a “u” cut out in the front for just this purpose.
Watch for redness, swelling, foul odor and drainage. If you see any of these signs, report them to you baby’s health care provider.