smelly umbillical stump

[dolly]

hi all,

My son (wow!) Finlay was born 4 days ago and is totally amazing!!

However, I am a little concerned that his umbillical stump is really smelling bad. The midwife said it is because it is due to drop off any day, and to simply wash it with cotton wool and water 1-2 times a day.

I am doing this but its not stopping the smell. Is this normal? is it infected? should I go to the DR? use anything else on it?

thanks ladies! xx

 

[clairescunny55]

if it smells it could be infected, i'd keep washin it regular with just water and get it checked to be on the safe side

 

[kellie80]

I've found with all mine they really stink once they dry up till they fall off. I had to keep checking them cos it smelled like they had a dirty nappy. MW said it was fine as it was flesh it would smell.

 

[sam96031]

congratulations!!!

 

[Flame]

Congratulations on your new baby

I have been advised to leave it alone but if it starts to look infected then to just clean it with water.

 

[trixipaws]

salt water is a natural disinfectant and i dont think it will harm ur baby.

 

[lisa&alex]

when charlottes went stinky the mw gave me some antibiotic powder..cant remember if that was actually on her stump though or after it had fallen off! sorry it will drop off in a few days though anyway

 

[EllieG]

Hiya, they smell because it is effectivly necrotic (dying) flesh. it may be a bit weepy but if it is red and inflamed then it may be infected. if it is just a bit smelly it sould be ok.

 

[Princess_Puddles]

I remember Harrisons stunk it took my breath away it was that bad but when the MW looked at it she said all was fine, it just smells a bit because of the dying flesh!

 

[Gemma & Jake]

Jakes was really smelly for a few days or maybe a bit longer but don't worry it will fall off soon.

 

[shelby]

when charlottes went stinky the mw gave me some antibiotic powder..cant remember if that was actually on her stump though or after it had fallen off! sorry it will drop off in a few days though anyway

i had that with my first (4now) after my last babie 6 months ago she was having problems with her cord and i asked for the talc stuff and they said they dont do it anymore! it's used to be in a blue and white tin i think.

definatly salt water. keep a really close eye on it. my dd had this smelly belly as we called it and it turned out to be a hernia, dont worry it's not as serious as it sounds, nothing like the adult version. all ot is is that you need to clean it all the time and keep pushing it in.

make sure your mw or hv keeps an eye on it. if you worry then dont feel scared to ask them.

 

[*saulino*]

Hi

Ide see if any other signs of infection apperas, i didnt notice a smell with Kiaras but was told it was normal if it did
Katrina