Normal Umbilical Bleeding

• Reassurance: A few drops of blood is normal with cord separation. Friction against clothing may make it recur.
• Bleeding: Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding. Clean the area beforehand, rather than afterwards. (Reason: to prevent rebleeding.)
• Diaper: Prevent friction on the umbilical stump from the diaper by folding it down or cutting a wedge out of the diaper.
• Call Your Doctor If:
  • Bleeding becomes worse
  • Few drops of blood continues > 3 days
  • Your baby begins to look sick or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms