CORD CARE

At birth, the umbilical cord is clamped firmly to prevent bleeding. The stump gradually shrinks and dries until it falls off between five to fourteen days after birth. Before the stump falls off, it needs to be cleaned every day to prevent infection. This can be done by dipping a cotton wool in cooled boiled water and gently wipe around the skin – check with your LMC that you are doing it correctly. Some babies develop a bulge from the umbilical area which is known as an umbilical hernia. Don’t worry, these are very common, are harmless and don’t cause any discomfort. They usually disappear as the baby gets older.