A navel stump is the remaining piece of the umbilical cord attached to a newborn baby's abdomen after the umbilical cord is cut.
Understanding the Umbilical Cord Stump
After birth, a healthcare provider severs the umbilical cord, leaving a small portion attached to the baby's belly. This remaining section is known as the umbilical cord stump, or sometimes simply the navel stump. It's essentially the dried-up and shriveled end of the cord that connected the baby to the placenta during pregnancy.
The Process of Umbilical Cord Stump Separation
- The stump naturally dries out and hardens over several days.
- It typically changes color, turning from initially dark to a brownish-black.
- Within one to three weeks, the stump usually falls off on its own.
- Once the stump detaches, the baby's belly button (navel) is revealed.
Caring for the Umbilical Cord Stump
Keeping the umbilical cord stump clean and dry is crucial to prevent infection. This generally involves:
- Gently cleaning the area with warm water.
- Keeping the area exposed to air as much as possible (avoid covering with clothing or diapers).
- Contacting a healthcare professional if you notice any signs of infection such as excessive bleeding, swelling, redness, or foul odor.
The process is completely natural and a normal part of the postpartum period. No intervention is usually necessary beyond keeping it clean and dry.
