TMI pic - does newborns belly button look infected?

[Cantthinkofauser]

Can't remember what DD1s was like but I'm wondering if DD2s belly button looks infected to you or if this is normal? Since this morning there have been bits of blood/liquid on her nappy and bodysuit which she hasn't had before until today. She's 10 days old.

If you do think it looks infected, who do I call?

I think it's just seperating, which does always seem gross, but I would keep an eye out for the redness spreading. I would call the midwife for advice, if not GP as they should see you/baby today

When I had my baby I was told for the first month we would be under the care of the maternity unit where I had my baby. So to call them if I had any concerns. I would the department where you had the baby and were discharged from. Otherwise 111.

My child’s took ages to separate but it wasn’t yellow. Does it smell like pus?

If you're worried, it's best to get it checked. At ten days old, your midwife team should still see you.

Congratulations on the new addition ❤️

Thanks all. It smells a little but not particularly strong or unpleasant. I’ll keep an eye on it tonight and ring tomorrow if it seems to be worse.

is it best to keep the nappy done up over it or to fold it down to leave the cord exposed?

That needs to be checked out asap really. It looks red and like it's been oozing.

My instinct (anf I've no idea if it's right!) is to let the air get to it and keep it as dry as possible. The nappy could be rubbing and irritating things too.

I would get that checked just in case as you've mentioned a smell - it's so easy for them to get infected and at 10 days old you don't want any infection spreading. I'm normally a wait and see Mum but not with a newborn

Don't think it looks terrible, but I'd be inclined to have it checked just in case. Has your midwife discharged you yet? Any contact from health visitors? Either or both of those, failing that GP. 111 can't see it over the phone, and 111 online isn't for infants. They would tell you to contact your GP I'm sure.

Cords do tend to smell as they dry and separate.

I think it could be infected. I'd bathe it with cooled boiled water with salt in and ring the docs to see if you can send a photo. It looks red and angry.

My youngest's looked like this at 4 days old. It was during lockdown so we got sent to A&E by our GP however they were great. Told to bathe with cool boiled water and keep the nappy below it so it could get air/ no risk of any poo going near it.

The doctor did say it's essentially rotting flesh so some smell is expected, however as with any concerns for a newborn best to get it checked. 111 would send you to be seen I expect as they always err on the side of caution. It does look a little red so no harm getting it checked

Get it checked - do you have a postnatal phone line you can call? It looks red and swollen, so a little bit infected at least

We was told to do this too. DD's absolutely stunk to high heaven, it was disgusting !! I also remember it having red around it and looking very much like your babies, it was fine, but it did stay on for two weeks so that's probably why !!

Of course if you're worried get it checked out, always best with tiny babies

Definitely get it checked. It’s probably nothing but there is a condition called omthalitis (?) that is infection to the belly button and medical treatment is needed.

My son's umbilical cord stayed on until 7 weeks!! Never heard anything like it, managed to not get infected that whole time and I have no idea how.

If you're concerned no harm in getting it checked. I would let it air as much as possible to help it dry out quicker

@Cantthinkofauser How’s the bellybutton doing?