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How to Care for NewBorn’s Umbilical Cord
In the womb, the umbilical cord connects the fetus to the mother. After birth, the cord is no longer needed. It is cut, and then clamped. This leaves a small stump. In most cases, the umbilical cord stump dries up and falls off the newborn within the first few weeks of life. Sometimes, however, an infection can develop. This may cause the area around the cord to swell and become inflamed, red, or tender. There may be cloudy, discolored, or foul-smelling discharge from the cord. There may also be oozing or slight bleeding. To treat the umbilical cord infection, the healthcare provider may
