NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
During the few hours or days that you have in the hospital following the birth of your baby, many things will be occurring. You will be recovering from the work of labor and child birth, your infant will be adjusting to a brand new environment that requires him/her to do things he/she never did before such as breathing and eating. And at the same time you will be learning about your infant, he/she will be learning about you. Materials in the preceding section were designed to help you during this period of adjustment by providing a description of behavior and appearance found in most babies. This section will deal more with the immediate day to day care of your infant.
The umbilical cord is still attached when the baby goes home from the hospital. Some blood tinged oozing is common. This may persist while the cord is still attached and may continue for five or six days after the cord has fallen off. Usually, the cord will detach by the time the baby is three weeks old, but we have seen cords stay attached for four or five weeks with no abnormality or problem.
Some protrusion of the navel is frequently seen, but usually requires no treatment. If treatment is required, we will bring it to your attention. If you notice any drainage or redness involving the navel, call the office for an appointment.
Umbilical hernia (an opening below the navel that protrudes when the baby cries) is common, and in most instances will close and disappear within the first two years. “Belly bands” and taping the navel serve no purpose, are dangerous, and should be avoided.