Stinky umbilical cord

[Ravin]

DS's umbilical cord is stinky. There's no sign of redness or swelling around it, it just smells bad. Should I call the doctor? He's 9 days old.

[knash]

Nope, this odor is expected, though unpleasant!! I had the same question a few months ago. I cleaned it carefully until it came off. It was extremely stinky!

[Twinklefae]

Normal - it is rotting skin after all.  Hopefully it will fall off soon!

[Thandiwe]

With my last baby, my midwife used goldenseal on it and it seemed to make a difference with the smell. 

[Ophelia]

Yeah, it does stink!  My MW said to use a little hydrogen peroxide.  I only did that a couple times (also used goldenseal powder early on) and it did help with the stink.