Umbilical cord still on at 6 weeks

[acupofteamakeseverythingbetter]

My baby is 6 weeks old and still has his umbilical cord attached!

I've spoke to the doctor who just said it should have fallen off by now…. Obviously it hasn't and I don't know what to do.

I know I just need to leave it well alone but is there anything they can prescribe to speed up the process?

Has anyone else's baby's cord stayed in this long?

Yes DC2 was about 6/7 weeks, it was stuck on fast! It did drop off on its own eventually and healed fine.

Thank you, that gives me some hope. I just have never known one to be on for so long!

I wonder why some babies cords fall off really early and others don’t…

I have my 6-8 week check up on Friday so will speak to them if it still hasn’t fallen off by then

It might need help, DS did. We had to put salt on it to help it heal up. Yes, normal salt!

Thanks @swingsandround I've never heard of that. Did the doctor suggest salt? I know years ago they used to use something on it to dry it out but I don't think they recommend that anymore but this is getting a bit of a joke now lol

My sister had to have hers quarterised off in the end as it just refused to drop off. This was 20 years ago

We literally waited in hospital for hours only for the consultant to bring us a packet of salt, yes

Hi can I ask if your little ones are ok? We’re 3 weeks in cord still attached and I’m getting really worried!! Any reassurance/advice would be amazing!!

My sons cord came off in his nappy at 7 weeks. No idea why it took so long but so long as it isn't infected then it's fine. I didn't bath my little one all that time and some midwives laughed at me for not bathing him but I was told in the beginning not to bath while he still had his cord on due to risk of infection.

And it never got infected in all that time so maybe I was right not to bath him.

Anyway, I was worried about it being on for so long but once it came off it was all fine and he now has a very cute belly button and no issues because of it.

Hope this gives you some reassurance!

Thank you so much!! I have been stupidly googling it… not a good idea!!! This little one was a c-section 2 weeks early and cord was SOO thick so I’m guessing it’s just taking its time. Im just a little panicky about everything after losses so it’s really hard!

Ah I'm sorry to hear of you previous losses completely understandable to be worried about it - I was exactly the same!

Congratulations on your little one and because the cord was so thick it would make sense that it's taking it's time to come off.

Thank you for being so reassuring x