Caring for your newborn's umbilical cord stump

What's an umbilical cord stump?

Babies in the womb receive nourishment and oxygen through the placenta, which is attached to the inner wall of the mother's uterus. The placenta is connected to the baby by the umbilical cord, which attaches to the baby through an opening in the baby's abdomen.

After your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut close to your baby's body. It's a painless procedure. And it leaves an umbilical stump attached to your baby's belly button.

Learn about cord blood banking.

How long will my baby have an umbilical cord stump?

The stump will dry up and drop off in about 7 to 21 days, leaving a small wound that may take a few days to heal.

When the stump falls off, you may notice a little blood on the diaper – don't worry, it's normal. Sometimes, after the stump falls off, there's some drainage of clear or yellow fluid, and some bits of lumpy flesh may remain.

These "umbilical granulomas" may disappear on their own, or they may need to be treated by your child's doctor. But they aren't serious and don't contain nerves, so if treatment is necessary, it'll be  painless for your baby.

How do I take care of an umbilical cord stump?

Until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off:

Don't use alcohol to clean the stump. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) used to recommend cleaning the base of the stump daily with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. But researchers have found that untreated cords heal faster than alcohol-swabbed cords and carry no more risk of infection, so the AAP changed its recommendation.

What are the signs of an umbilical cord stump infection?

Infections are rare, but consult your baby's doctor if:

Also call the doctor if the stump bleeds continuously, as this may be a sign of a bleeding disorder.

Find out more about newborn care.

Bonding with your newborn

 What is bonding?

When experts talk about bonding, they're referring to the intense attachment you develop with your baby. It's the feeling that makes you want to shower him with love and affection, or throw yourself in front of a speeding truck to protect him.

For some parents, this takes place within the first few days – or even minutes – of birth. For others, it takes a little longer. In the past, researchers who studied the process thought it was crucial to spend a lot of time with your newborn during his first few days to establish a bond right away.

But now we know that bonding can take place over time. Parents who are separated from their babies soon after delivery for medical reasons, or who adopt their kids later in childhood also develop close, loving relationships.

What if I don't bond right away?

Don't worry. Bonding often takes time. As long as you take care of your baby's basic needs and cuddle her regularly, she won't suffer if you don't feel a strong bond at first sight.

"There's so much discussion about bonding with a new baby that mothers often feel guilty if they don't feel some incredible attachment to their new baby immediately," says Edward Christophersen, a pediatric psychologist in Kansas City, Missouri. "But bonding is truly an individual experience, and it's just as reasonable to expect the bond to develop over a period of time as it is for it to develop instantaneously."

Go easy on yourself: Being a new parent is exhausting. Many moms feel stressed, overwhelmed, or even unhappy during the first couple of weeks – a period also known as the baby blues. And if you had a difficult delivery, you may need some time to recover before you can concentrate on bonding with your baby.

In some cases, an underlying medical problem can be a factor. Some women experience a drop in thyroid hormones about four to eight months after giving birth. Low thyroid levels can make you feel depressed, easily irritated, and have trouble sleeping or concentrating – not exactly leaving you in the mood to smile and coo with your baby. Let your healthcare provider know if you have any of these symptoms, or if you notice other signs of an underactive thyroid, such as weight gain, constipation, or dry skin.

What are some ways to bond with my baby?

The parent-child bond grows through everyday caregiving. Your baby may be cute and cuddly, but he's also an entirely new person you have to get to know. There's no magic formula, but a few things can help the process along.

Is it unusual to have a hard time bonding with my baby?

No, it's not unusual to find bonding a challenge. Becoming a parent overnight is a major, overwhelming life change, and it's natural to feel a lot of complex emotions.

Find a new parents' group where you can swap stories with others – you might be surprised by how many others feel the same way you do. Try BabyCenter's Community, your local hospital, church, or other social gathering center.

Here's one BabyCenter mom's account of her experience: "I expected to feel a deep, overwhelming love for my baby at first sight. I was surprised when, despite a natural home birth and breastfeeding, I initially felt that she was a stranger. This has changed over time, and now I have immense feelings of love for her and love spending time with her.

I have read and reflected a lot. I think there were a couple of difficulties that affected my emotional state. First, I hemorrhaged after the birth, and I think I was pretty anemic for some time. Second, breastfeeding was excruciating, and since that is all my baby wanted to do the first few weeks, life felt very difficult.

For those who bonded immediately, that's wonderful! I wish the same for all mothers! For mothers who have not bonded as easily, I say hang in there. Be gentle and patient with yourself and your baby. I am sure these feelings come in time."

When should I be concerned?

Many new parents start to feel closer to their baby over time. If, after a couple of weeks, you find that you don't feel more attached to your baby than you did the first day, tell your baby's doctor and let your own healthcare provider know.

Some new mothers have trouble bonding with their baby because they're struggling with postpartum depression (PPD). This is a common condition that occurs in at least 10 percent of births and can lead to serious problems if left untreated. Call your provider if you experience five or more of the following symptoms almost every day, for most of the day, for at least two straight weeks:

Other possible signs of PPD include being irritable or angry, lacking interest in your baby, avoiding your friends and family, constantly doubting your ability to care for your baby, and worrying excessively about your baby.

If you're worried that you might have PPD, there's no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed about seeking help and treatment – it's the best move you can make for both you and your baby. If your provider thinks you may have PPD, she'll refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist for treatment, which could include medication.

For PPD information and resources, including referrals to therapists and support groups, visit Postpartum Support International and Postpartum Progress.

42 things that change when you have a baby

What changes when you have a baby? A better question may be what doesn't change?

Here, you can read writer and mom Rebecca Woolf's 15 most notable post-baby observations and another 27 from BabyCenter parents.

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid. [See a reader's perspective in #37, below.]

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with people in your life you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

And from our readers:

16. "You discover how much there is to say about one tooth."— Ashley's mom

17. "You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth."— Anonymous

18. "You now know where the sun comes from."— Charlotte

19. "You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have."— Sophie's mom

20. "You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers."— Roxanne

21. "You don't mind going to bed at 9 o'clock on Friday night."— Kellye

22. "Silence? What's that?"— Anonymous

23. "You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having."— Brenda

24. "You discover an inner strength you never thought you had."— Ronin and Brookie's mom

25. "You no longer rely on a clock – your baby now sets your schedule."— Thomas' mom

26. "You give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one."— Jaidyn's mom

27. "Your dog – who used to be your 'baby' – becomes just a dog."— Kara

[Many readers begged to differ, saying things like: "I disagree with number 27. My dogs are my additional children." "Nothing about previous babies, whether two- or four-legged, changes when a new miracle comes along." "My dog will never be 'just a dog.' " "This is sad to me. My dog is still my baby too."]28. "You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late."— Tracey

29. "You learn that taking a shower is a luxury."— Jayden's mom

30. "You realize that you can love a complete stranger."— Dezarae's mom

31. "You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place."— Arizona

32. "If you didn't believe in love at first sight before, now you do!"— Ciara

33. "You start to appreciate Sesame Street for its intellectual contribution."— Anonymous

34. "You have to quit watching the news because you see every story from a mother's perspective and it breaks your heart."— Brooke&Boys

35. "You just plain love life more – everything comes together and becomes better because of one tiny person and your love for them."— Anonymous

36. "You finally find out the real reason you have those breasts."— Anonymous

37. "In response to #2 [above], I'd say that where you were once afraid, you're now fearless. I was always very timid and shy and let myself get walked all over … but now where my kid's concerned, I'll speak my mind and really connect with my inner 'b'!"— gummismom

38. "The support you get from other people surprises you, because the people giving it are not always the ones you'd expect."— japanese_macaque

39. "Nothing is just yours any longer. You share EVERYTHING!"— DylanLsMom

40. "No matter what you've accomplished in life, you look at your child and think, 'I've done a GREAT job!' "— Anonymous

41. "You want to take better care of yourself for your child."— Treasor

42. "You can have the most wonderful conversation using only vowel sounds like 'ahhh' and 'oooo.' "— littlehulk2008

How to announce your baby's birth

You'll want to tell the world when your little one arrives. But times have changed from the days of handing out cigars and mailing paper cards. From text messages to online announcements, today's parents have innovative ways of spreading the news.

Read on for some of our readers' best ideas.

Call, text, tweet, or update your status

When it comes to convenience and speed, few things beat technology. A full 72 percent of new moms and dads we asked announced their baby's birth via social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Even more used the humble, old-school phone call (76 percent of parents), followed by those who sent a text message (72 percent) or an email (44 percent).

"I had a home birth and updated my friends on Facebook throughout the delivery. I posted things like 'Oooh that was a good contraction! My baby will be coming soon!' All my friends were primed and ready to hear my official announcement when I finally put it in a status update." – GaiasGift

"I apparently made lots of phone calls (that I don't remember) from the c-section recovery room. Goodness knows why my husband thought it was a good idea to give me a phone." – SabrinaAdena

"We used Skype from the hospital to keep in touch with close family during labor and after our baby arrived (we were in Korea, they weren't!). It was almost like being in the same country, but possibly better since we could monitor when and for how long the 'visits' lasted!" – Amelia Sharon

Create an online birth announcement

For something more special than an email but less formal than a paper announcement, consider an online birth announcement. Typically you choose a design, add a photograph and your baby's vital statistics, and send.

"We made an online birth announcement. We were able to email it to friends, associates, and family right away." – Mary and Tracy Finney

Make a baby blog

If you want to share lots of photos and information about your baby with family and friends on an ongoing basis, consider starting a blog. Many blogging sites are simple to use, and once you start you'll be able to keep everyone updated on your baby's latest milestones.

"We sent an email with a brief summary of the birth with links to our blog and online photo album. Our full birth story was on our blog with a picture slideshow. I also put a picture album on Facebook and told people to look at our blog for the full birth story." – Mandy3282

Go retro with paper announcements

Whether you order them online, pick them out at a stationery store, or make them yourself, paper birth announcements make a wonderful keepsake for you and your family and friends. They're also a fun way to express your creativity.

"I made and mailed handmade birth announcements. They were shaped like baby outfits and had a picture of my daughter in the center." – Goldengoddess27

"My husband and father-in-law made origami bowties that - when pulled open – had our baby's name, date, weight, and time of birth. My father-in-law had made a similar announcement for my husband's birth. People loved it!" – Susan S. Swingholm

Say it sweetly

If you want to hand out something more substantial than a card, go for edible birth announcements. You can order personalized candy bar wrappers online to cover your favorite candy bar with your baby's name and statistics. For a little extra, you can order the bars wrapped and ready to go. Or, if you've got a little more money to burn, ask a confectioner to hand-stamp chocolate bars (check gourmet candy stores in your area). For a little twist on tradition, try a chocolate cigar — much tastier than the real thing and better for you to boot.

"We announced the birth of both of our girls by handing out lollipops with personalized labels that I made on my computer." – Bobby and Kathy Jefferson

"Our co-workers loved the chocolate bar announcement we sent when Ryan was born. We ordered 150 custom wrappers for giveaways to friends and family. They looked just like normal candy bars, but the label read:RYAN PATRICK GALLANTNet wt. 7 lbs. 10 oz.and on the back:VITAL STATISTICSBaked: May 21Serving Size: 19.5 inchesDelivery of Goods: 8:38 p.m.Location: Orange, Calif.Mfd. by (parents names)Endorsed by brother Shaun and dog Rusty

What expecting moms know – and don't know – about newborns

Expecting moms have nine long months to read books, scour the Internet, and quiz their mommy friends in preparation for life with a new baby.  But do their impressions of newborns match reality?

BabyCenter surveyed more than 2,000 pregnant women to find out what they assume about sleep, diaper changes, and development in newborns age 3 months and younger. Then we asked the experts – moms of newborns – what the real scoop is.

Moms-to-be revealed they were prepared in some important areas, but they're still in for a few shocking surprises. Find out what they're ready for, and what they're not.

16 hours of sleep? You're dreaming.

There's nothing wrong with a healthy dose of optimism when it comes to predicting how much your newborn will sleep. But the pregnant women we surveyed might need to lower their expectations a little.

Sixty-nine percent expected newborns to sleep 16 or more hours at night. Surveyed moms of newborns reported back with a reality check: Their babies sleep an average of 14.3 hours per night.

It's no shock, then, that 71 percent of the moms of newborns said lack of sleep is the hardest part of having a newborn. But there is good news for expecting moms: You predicted you'd get four wake-up calls at night from your little one. Roll over and get a few more winks: Moms of newborns said they're only up 2.3 times a night, on average.

One reason new moms may be so tired is that 70 percent of you get up solo to check on your newborn. Twenty-five percent take turns with your partner, and 1 percent of partners are the exclusive nighttime caregiver.

Lights, camera, action

When we asked expecting moms what newborns can do, they guessed, "Slobber and pass gas!" and, "Grasp your finger."

While all of the above are certainly true, prepare to raise your expectations. Your baby will be far more versatile than you expect!

No need to loll around – 87 percent of new moms said their baby can lift his or her head when placed tummy-down.  (Only 9 percent of pregnant women thought a new baby would do this.)

And your baby will be keeping a closer eye on the world than you might expect. Only 39 percent of expecting moms thought a newborn could follow an object with his eyes, but 81 percent of new moms found this to be true.

More good news: You won't have to wait months on end for some positive feedback. While only 37 percent of pregnant women think babies 3 months or younger can smile, 88 percent of new moms said their baby flashes a gummy grin. In fact, 64 percent of moms said theirs smiled before 5 weeks.

With the smiles come the giggles. Only 7 percent of pregnant women thought a newborn would be up for a laugh, but 38 percent of new moms said theirs belts one out.

Here's where expecting moms were on target: 67 percent thought newborns responded to sounds, and 83 percent of new moms agreed that theirs did.

What expecting moms know for sure

Pregnant women may have a bit of a learning curve in some key areas, but our survey shows they're well informed about two of the most important components of babyhood: poop and feedings.

Expecting moms anticipate their newborn will go through an average of 8.6 diapers a day. This line item of their budget is in good shape: New moms say they use 8.1 diapers every day.

All those diapers can only mean there'll be a whole lot of eating going on. Pregnant women expect their baby to eat every 2.4 hours, and they're on the right track: Surveyed moms say their baby eats every 2.6 hours.

A not-so-big surprise: The hectic schedule takes its toll, with 38 percent of moms saying that the constant feedings are one of the hardest parts of having a newborn.

Delivery room surprises

Proving that you can't be totally prepared for your newborn, the first shockers often happen the moment you lay eyes on your baby.

When asked what surprised them most about how their baby looked after delivery, 60 percent of moms said how "squished" their baby looked. The runner-up: The little peanut that moms were imagining wasn't so little – 28 percent reported their baby was bigger than they expected.

Here's what some new moms said surprised them:

"He was so fresh, so smooth, blemishless."

"[He was] so alert."

"The gray goo [that covered him]."

Changes and challenges

Your life began to change as soon as you found out you were going to have a baby, and new moms report their life kept right on changing after their baby was born. Fifty percent said they were surprised by how much their daily activities have altered.

The other big change? You! Thirty-nine percent of moms were surprised by how much their body has changed and how tired they feel.

Sixty-four percent reported that the biggest challenge of having a newborn is the lack of time for themselves or to get other things done. Just over half of new moms said having a newborn is harder than they expected.

One mom finds "living in two-hour increments" between feedings the most challenging. Another described how simply leaving the house is such a big production: "Getting the baby ready, getting myself ready, packing the bags, loading the stroller and the car seat."

Here are some other challenges new moms spoke out about:

"Being lonely during the day."

"It's time-consuming. And I question every decision I make related to my baby."

The rewards of newborns

Clearly, having a newborn is going to throw some zingers your way. You can research and plan, and prepare yourself for having a baby, but you can't imagine how it will make you feel. Thirty-four percent of new moms were surprised to feel an instant bond with their baby.

And there are other surprising rewards that come with newborns.

Twenty-five percent of new moms said what they enjoy most is watching their baby grow and change. Another 16 percent said it's how small and perfect their baby is.

Here are some new moms' words on what they love most about their new baby:

"How attached we are."

"Knowing I'm his mama."

"Everything."

Parents' Voices: What was most helpful when you were home with a newborn?

The first few weeks home with a newborn are exhausting and overwhelming. You're tired. You're hormonal. Meanwhile your new little family member needs all your time and attention. No wonder it's so hard to get basic tasks done.

Read on to see what kinds of help BabyCenter parents were most grateful to get (or wish they had) from friends and relatives during this time. Then see our article about other ways to help a friend with a new baby.

Bring supplies and help set up gear

"My mom and mother-in-law came over and set up the nursery – including buying diapers, wipes, cream – while we were in the hospital. (I was superstitious and didn't want to prepare anything before the baby was born.) They also made sure I had a basket of nursing essentials – a water bottle, nipple cream, smoothies, and nursing tank tops."— babyanvil

"Ask [new parents] if they need anything from the store. Our baby came a week early and we were out of things like conditioner, napkins, and other household items. I had also underestimated the amount of cotton nursing bras and tanks I would need. Every time my mom came to visit she asked us what we needed and picked it up at the store for us."— rileykatee

"Our son was a month early, and my husband had no idea how to install the car seat. My brother came over and did it for us."— babyanvil

Drop off food

"A friend dropped off a bag of homemade food. That really made a difference. There was soup, hummus, cornbread, granola bars, and more. She didn't ask me or even knock on the door, so I couldn't tell her no."— Fox039

"My co-workers were my food angels for a week. They brought over food in disposable pans that we could just heat and eat."— SarahIVFmomma

"Our friends got us gift cards to our favorite take-out places, and my husband would pick up dinner on his way home."— babyanvil

"My mom or my sisters would come over with fresh fruits and veggies already cut up. I loved having those healthy snacks in the fridge ready to go."— Kimber817

"Bring a box of cookies from the bakery. Meals are great, but quick one-handed snacks are also useful."— Robinsparkles15

"Just stopping by with a coffee was a great little surprise and pick me up."— EileenMcG

Deliver the goods, then leave

"I had a few people just drop off food and not even come in the house, which was great. I'm the kind of person who gets embarrassed if my home is messy, so I would have cleaned like crazy for visitors."— AliciaCai

"The day after we got home, one of my husband's aunts dropped by with a trunk full of groceries and homemade frozen meals. She put it all away for us, said our baby was beautiful, and left."— Idelle

"The best thing was when people called to see if I needed anything while they were out shopping, with a promise to drop it at the door and leave. They understood that the first few weeks home with a new baby are meant for healing and bonding, not for visitors."— Robinsparkles15

Respect parents' privacy

"The best help for me was no help. People came by all day long the first few weeks to ask if I needed anything and – let's be honest – because they wanted to see the baby. All I really wanted was to be left alone to nap with my baby."— carleighcakes

"My family from out of state waited until we got into a little schedule before coming out. I'm glad they didn't bombard us with visits right away."— SarahIVFmomma

"I appreciated the people who asked me to bring the baby by their house. I didn't have to entertain anyone or clean, and when I'd had enough I could nicely thank them for having us and go."— cachelle84

"Ask the new mom what would be helpful for her. Don't assume that she wants someone to take care of the baby or clean the house. I wanted space. That is all."— WinoBot

"Call beforehand. Don't just show up."— SaritaENV

Do household chores

"My mom scrubbed my bathrooms for me. Best. Thing. Ever."— Smandel22

"My mom did my baby's and older children's laundry at her house, brought it back, and put it away."— SarahIVFmomma

"Based on my own experience, I am getting anyone who has a baby a gift card to a cleaning service (with their permission, of course). The thought of family cleaning my house made me feel bad, but I wish I would have had someone else come in and do it for me."— ToriD5314

"After I had my c-section, a friend came to my house every morning to take my kids to the bus stop, make me breakfast, clean the kitchen, and do laundry. Before she left, she would cook. With her here, I was able to take a long shower, pump, and eat."— ines23

"One of my friends addressed all the envelopes for thank you cards. I'd had my baby shower just a week before we had to deliver."— SarahIVFmomma

"I was hoping for someone committed to helping because she understood the needs of a newborn, rather than because she finds a newborn cute and wants to hold her. I wish someone would have said, 'This is your time to be with your baby. Let me take care of the rest of the things in your house.'"— AprilRia

Watch the baby

"I loved it when my husband took my baby out of our bedroom so that I could sleep in the morning. But the best thing was when my mother-in-law took care of the baby for a few hours. I felt so relaxed. She just did it in silence, without talking to me."— Cordelia111

"I didn't get much help from my husband, so it was a lifesaver when my mom came by and watched our baby a few times while I took a nap upstairs."— Fox039

Take care of siblings and pets

"My parents took our two oldest children for the day and brought them back exhausted, showered, and in their pajamas so we could just put them in their beds. This happened several times."— PikicaBubi

"I had not considered my dogs. It was hard to keep them exercised with a newborn, and they were nightmares without it. Friends stepped up and took them to the dog park and on walks. It made our house so much more peaceful."— bkbusby

Make a specific offer

"I'd prefer that people not ask 'How can I help?' Just say, 'I'm bringing you dinner. Is Monday or Tuesday night better?' It's not as awkward and easier to answer."— soccermom200

"I would have loved it if someone had called to say, 'I'm going to come over twice a week to clean. What days are best for you? No judgment.'"— Alexsmommy52

"I think it's best to offer something specific. If someone asks me if I need help with something, I'm likely to say no. If someone asks if it's a good time to come over to bring dinner, dust, or do the dishes, I'm more likely to say, 'Yes, please!'"— KittyForman

"I wish someone would have just offered a simple reassurance and said, 'Don't clean,' or 'You better be resting when I get there,' or 'I'm coming to play with Sam (my older son).'

It may seem silly, but a little mess forgiveness goes a long way. My partner actually hurt my feelings: When his brother called to say he was coming over, he said, 'Well, the house isn't the cleanest,' even though I'd thoroughly cleaned the day before."— samsgonnabeabigbro

Offer support and advice

"I just wanted company. Someone to talk to about all the changes, [ask] how I was feeling emotionally, and answer questions I might have about the baby."— Graett2011

"Teach me! I know absolutely nothing about babies. Yes, I read a million books and had all these 'plans,' but when it came down to it I was completely clueless. We had no local family, so we didn't have the luxury of the prior generation teaching us. I have so many experienced moms in my life. I wish any of them would have offered to just come spend a day with me and help me see cues I had been missing and show me shortcuts. I was never really sure how to ask anyone for that."— SKTTL969

"My best friend came over twice a week for the first month and spent time with me while my boyfriend was working. She could tell I was struggling with the baby blues. Her presence really helped with my anxiety. She did laundry, brought food, and watched the baby while I napped. I appreciated everything. Just her being there for me was the best gift I got. She was a lifesaver."— alliecat019

"This may seem small, but encouraging words about how you are doing a good job or that you are a good mother really help. Because you constantly question if you are doing the right things for your baby."— misscupcake1

"Be there to answer questions or just offer support when [the new mom] is overwhelmed. Sometimes she just needs to cry."— Cclifford628

Don't stop too soon

"I had a cesarean. After the first week, everyone assumed I was fine to do everything. In reality it took closer to three weeks. People were really helpful for the first week, which was awesome. But then they all suddenly disappeared. If even one person kept helping out for a few more weeks, it would have been very welcome."— Alexsmommy52