‘’ An umbilical stump may be small, but it’s a big indicator that your baby is growing up, and so are you as a parent.’’

Why does an umbilical stump happen?

Throughout the entire pregnancy, an umbilical cord supplies nutrients and oxygen to the growing baby. After birth, this cord is no longer needed and so it is clamped and cut by the operating gynecologist. This will leave a short stump behind.

What can you do to take care of this stump?

Below are a few tips that will help you take care of baby’s umbilical stump:

• Keep the area around the baby’s stump clean and dry; make sure that it is dry and wound is healing.
• Don’t use any alcohol or any harsh substances; avoid using these as they may cause pain to the baby and prolong the healing process.
• Let the wound air-dry; after bathing the baby let the stump air-dry and don’t poke it any more than necessary.
• Fold the top of the diaper in such a way that it doesn’t rub the stump.
• Watch for signs of any impending infection; redness, swelling or discharge, If you notice
• anything as such, contact your doctor immediately.
• Avoid immersing the stump in water during baths, till it has fallen off.
• Don’t worry too much and be patient; it usually takes around 2-3 weeks for the stump to fall off.

What are the signs that your baby’s stump might be infected?

Below are signs enlisted for you to look out in case you feel your baby’s stump has been infected.

• Redness or swelling around the stump
• Pain or tenderness around the area
• Drainage of pus from the stump or around it
• Foul odor coming from the stump
• Raised temperature or fever

If you suspect that your baby’s umbilical stump is infected than seek medical attention, if this is left unchecked it could lead to serious health problems.