What do I do about the umbilical cord?

Different hospitals give different recommendations with regard to cord care.  Some may have you do nothing while others recommend cleansing with an alcohol swab. The goal is the same: to keep the cord clean and dry so that it falls off by itself over 1-4 weeks. You may notice a clear to slightly blood-tinged discharge oozing from the navel for a few days after the cord falls off. You should call your physician if there is drainage that lasts longer than 2-3 days, has a foul odor, or if there is redness in the skin surrounding the cord.

 

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