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Ask Dr. Jana

Umbilical Cord That Won't Fall Off
QUESTION
Dear Dr. Jana,
My son is two months and 12 days old and his umbilical cord has not fallen off yet. It still has a pretty good hold. I have been using alcohol on it at every diaper change and still nothing. Should I start to worry? What should I do?

— Concerned Mom in Lock Haven, PA

ANSWER
January 15, 2001
Dear Concerned Mom,
It sounds as if you are doing everything right and are justified in asking your question--10 weeks is quite a long time for an umbilical cord to stay attached.

Whenever a baby's umbilical cord fails to fall off in the first six weeks, it is generally a good idea for the situation to be evaluated by the baby's healthcare provider. The good news is that there are some simple techniques that your provider can try to help speed up the process.

— by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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