Question
My baby is 12 days old and the umbilical cord fell off 5 days ago. I have been using alcohol to disinfect the umbilical area. Today, there was bleeding, so I went to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor diagnosed neonatal umbilical inflammation and gave me an injection today. I observed for three hours and there was no bleeding in the umbilical pouch. I need to go back to the hospital for another injection tomorrow.
Answer
It is suggested to use 75% alcohol to disinfect the navel three to four times a day and no other medication is needed. If there is umbilical inflammation, some antibiotic anti-inflammatory sprays can be considered. You should continue to observe your baby’s navel for any white discharge and be aware that alcohol disinfection can be used for future umbilical infections.