umbilical stump

[ammanda]

is it okay for the stump of the umbilical cord to bleed?  I notices some blood from it earlier today, im really affraid

[DoulaSummer]

It is normal to have some light bleeding and light discharge (clear or white to light yellow).  This is part of the normal process.

You are not supposed to use alcohol because it dries the stump out and they commonly fall off before a scab is formed and cause infection and bleeding.  When they begin to hang, they can become snagged on clothing or stain clothing, so you can VERY loosely put a gauze square over it (tape down only the top and bottom part, NOT all the way around).  Its not to act as a band aid, just as a barrier between clothing and the stump.

[AngellaHas2]

My daughter had an issue with gets. They put some kind of silver something on it. It helped it heal.

[JoyRenee]

You're not supposed to put alcohol on it. Obviously doctors disagree on this so you can do what you feel is right. But alcohol stings and will dry it out. It needs to heal and develop a scab, then the stump will fall off. I never used alcohol or anything on my daughters' stumps. They always fell off in 1-2 weeks.

It is alright if it is halfway off but definitely don't pull it off. It might look like it is hanging by a string. You might see some yellowish oozing or even blood; all of that is normal. Any foul odor or really green discharge means infection.

You have to listen to your gut as a mother. If you think something is bothering him you are probably correct. You know him like no one else does! Don't use the alcohol, don't submerge him in water (don't get it wet). Just let it air dry and see if he feels better. ;-)

[ammanda]

I just got cole in his jammies, and I noticed his stump is half way off.. does it hurt him.  does the alcohol hurt?  hes beeing really fussy, and screaming and I dont know what else could be wrong with him

[LosingMyMindInGA]

A little bit is fine.  Just make sure it's not oozing anything that resembles infection.  Also, typically it takes 2 weeks for the stump to fall off, but sometimes it takes longer.  With my last one he still some of his at a month old so the doc put this stuff on it (I forget the name) that caused it to fall off within a couple days.  

Just make sure you keep diong the alcohol on it, I tried to do it a little at every diaper change.  

[ammanda]

Oh thats good, makes sense cause my son is 10 days old today too lol... thanks

[therese101]

When lily was about 10 days hers was weeping what looked like blood. being freaked out by it all i rushed her to the doctor in panic, lol. Apparently it is completely normal. They said when we have her in the bath and she was relaxed just to gently wipe over the top with a cotton ball and saline solution.

Good Luck