Question about baby's umbilical cord and healing?

Question

How long after birth does the umbilical cord fall off?

My baby's umbilical cord was oozing some yellow/brown puss yesterday. I've been cleaning it with alcohol like the hospital said, but I'm not sure if this is normal. Anyone know what it could be, and is my baby ok?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hi
There is no hard and fast rule regarding the " fall off" of umbilical cord in infants. Usually, in my opinion, it takes from 7 to 12 days for drying up or fall off. But may be early or little late.

NOw concerning the discharge which you described as " Yellow/brown Puss" is important to consult.
Puss is different in look and smell. It is usually whitish but if mixed with some other secretions, then it's normal apperance can be misleading. So an expert or skilled eye is needed. Yellow or brown secretion may be due to partial separation of cord BUT may be an early indication of infection.

Wiping the cord with alcohal is very much practical method to keep cord infection free. But not every mother can do it. Some persons are very scared and they do it very gently and politely in order to avoid any trauma ( I do agree with this feelings and justify them) and this results in improper or incomplete sterilization done by alcohal swab. Even if you do it very properly, there are remote chances of infection. These can't be ruled out.

As umbilical cord has direct relation to " Liver" , any element of infection if there is doubt, even slightest doubt, MUST be ruled out. Because infection from this route immediately spread to all the body throught blood i,e. bacteremia and then septisemia which can threaten the safety of baby.
So it must be ruled out by doctor in early stages if there is doubt.
It is very simple to treat in the early stages.
So consult your doctor and get the treatment if needed.

Regards:

Answer 2

My babies cord fell off 5 days after she was born but some stay on longer. My nephew actually had to have his burned off. My babies belly button bleed for a couple weeks though. My doctor told us not to use alcohol, don't know why he never said. My sister did with both her kids. Anyway, I kept looking at all the pamphlets they gave me when I left the hospital cause I was worried it was bleeding and all the papers said it was normal but if it was pussing to call a doctor. I don't think its anything scary, just might be a little infected. Call your doctor.

Answer 3

It generally falls off around 2 weeks after the birth. The key is keeping it dry. That's why they say to use alcohol - it dries it.
Puss is usually not a good sign. I would sugest taking him in so the doctor can look at it, especially if his/her belly is red and/or inflamed around the cord.
Either way, it's not a horrible terrible thing. If it's infected, the doctor will give you some antibiotic creme or oral medication that will clear it up. And the baby will be fine. :)
In the mean time, make sure you continue to keep it dry.

Answer 4

Your baby is probably fine. All of my three babies had a bit of the yellowish puss and even a bit of blood right before the stump fell off and even a while after. If it has a wierd smell or redness around the stump go ahead a see your pediatrician. In general with all things about your baby... follow your instincts.

Answer 5

the umbilical cord falls off about 7 to 10 days after birth. as for the other part, your baby is probably fine but get it checked on just in case

Answer 6

sounds like it has got infected. This can happen as the nappy sits right on it. Get your baby to the doctor he may need antibiotics. The cord falls off anywhere from a few weeks to a few days after birth

Answer 7

Under two weeks is normal. The puss and stuff could be normal. make sure it doesn't have a fowl odor and it's kept dry all the time. He should not be in water or get a wash cloth near it. the alcohol dries it out...don't worry... one day it will just be in his diaper and everything will be fine.

Answer 8

once you’re abode with the toddler, little is had to look after the stump. reckoning on the kind of preliminary treatment the toddler’s twine received, you may want to favor to wipe the stump and the encircling epidermis area with rubbing alcohol 2-3 cases an afternoon till the stump falls off. even as wiping, you may want to note slightly of of yellowish ooze or possibly a drop of blood. it truly is accepted and is not a reason for challenge. conserving the area dry is significant. it truly is the reason you're literally not meant to bathe the toddler till later. yet differently to assist with twine care is to keep the diaper rolled out and down (so the contained in the diaper is showing), which permits the stump to be uncovered to the air conserving it dry. to boot to, the rolled diaper received't capture the stump contained in the diaper. in case you roll the diaper in and down, this is going to position the plastic outer aspect of the diaper hostile to the tummy, making it uncomfortable for the toddler. interior the first 2 weeks, the twine frequently falls off. even as this happens, you may want to note a small, pinkish area contained in the bottom of the tummy button, which does not look like something of the exterior. it truly is envisioned, and accepted epidermis will strengthen over it. once this happens, it truly is secure to furnish your toddler a bath.

Answer 9

ok we had the same problem. Mine had a smell also. And I done everything there was to do. I was told to put neosporin on it and us a little peroxide and keep using the alcohol. Just alernate it and keep it dry and clean. It will clear up but it takes time to do so.

Answer 10

It usually takes a few weeks for it to fall off. But it does sound like it is infected and you might have to take her to the doctor. I would do it anyway just to be safe.