Information about the umbilical cord after birth and some apologies.
So I've seen a few mom's on here where their doctor's/pediatricians are informing them to clean the umbilical cord stump with alcohol which actually slows the healing process down if you don't leave it alone and just allow it to fall off. My doctor has told me to not mess with it and sponge bathe not tub bathe the baby until it naturally falls off. I found an article on the Mayo Clinic site which will hopefully help you trust me about what I post. Not trying to be a know-it-all I just like to help and share any knowledge I have. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/umbilical-cord/PR00046 I read A LOT probably way too much and I talk to numerous Doctors with this being my first pregnancy and it being twins. Knowing not every pregnancy is the same but can randomly be similar in some cases, I will put a word in about what I have information on. I think it may be because I'm new around here and I tend to think being more positive about answering a post about a first-time mom having pains helps because in my pregnancy, I have a lot of pain which is perfectly normal and fine and doesn't mean the babies are in trouble. If I seem too forward or like I'm trying to take over anything, I do apologize. I'm a fact based type person and I research everything I encounter (seriously). My boyfriend is trained as an EMT and has a lot of experience with child birth as well. Anyway, Hello all of pregly and nice to meet you all!.
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@ethansmommy122 25 weeks but I'll be 26 weeks tomorrow. Getting closer! WHOOHOO!!
So thanks!
Welcome to pregly! Congratulations on ur twins
@marriedwith_4 THANKS! I'd rather be over prepared than under prepared. I don't want to have to call the Dr. or race to the Er for everything. I subscribed to so many baby magazines and read so many medical books and sites I feel like I can deliver a baby myself (but I won't! lol)
@mom60511 Not trying to tell anyone what to do, I'm just sharing the information I have from credible sources.
As for me, I'm continuing what has always been done with all of us and doing as instructed to only put a clean absorbent cloth on it if it gets dirty or sticky. That might be why the other child's got smelly and all because you can put the cloth around it to absorb anything. During bathing some water can accidentally get around it so you have to make sure it's dry after you bathe them. It usually falls off in 2-3 days but shouldn't take more than 4 weeks to finally fall off. A pediatric book I found provide a complete care guide on the matter http://www.nelsonpatientinstructions.com/Forms/UmbilicalCordCare.pdf I won't put alcohol on it, even the tiny amount suggested unless absolutely necessary. Your decision if you decide to or not. It's mainly for fellow first-time mommies.