As soon as a baby is born, the first thing that happens is someone cuts the umbilical cord. Sometimes it's a doctor who does this, while other times it's the woman's partner or the baby's other parent.
For anyone who doesn't know, the umbilical cord transports nutrients to the baby while it's still in the womb. The umbilical cord attaches to the baby's belly on one end and to the placenta on the other end.
Once the baby is born, the cord is clamped and cut. The umbilical stump stays attached to the baby's belly for a few weeks before falling off on its own. Typically, as the stump dries out, it darkens in color, eventually shriveling and turning black before falling off.
While many parents simply dispose of the umbilical stump, some decide to save it as a way to remember their baby's first few weeks in the world and the baby's connection to the mother while inside the womb.
When babies are born, the first thing that often happens is the cutting of the umbilical cord. Sometimes it's a doctor or nurse who cuts the cord, and other times a parent cuts the cord.
Once the cord is cut, the newborn baby is left with an umbilical stump.
The stump dries out and shrivels up over the first few weeks of the baby's life, then eventually falls off.
Once the stump falls off, the belly button is left behind. Many parents just dispose of the stump, but others choose to save it as a keepsake.
For years, parents have saved their kids' umbilical stumps in jewelry boxes — but now some moms have gone one step further.
Some mothers are turning their babies' umbilical cord stumps into jewelry!
This necklace is made out of sterling silver and an umbilical stump cast in resin. This handmade piece was cast by the mom herself!
Some moms are combining their babies' umbilical stumps with their own breastmilk to make other unique pieces, like this ring.
Still others add even more elements, like their baby's first hair clippings.
While some people think these pieces of umbilical-stump jewelry are gross, others think they're unique and touching mementos.
Supporters of this type of jewelry think it's a beautiful idea. Some parents wish they'd saved their kids' umbilical stumps so they could do this, too.
Of course, some people are grossed out by the whole concept — after all, it's a shriveled piece of your baby's body that fell off.
This type of jewelry might not be for everyone, but it's definitely one of a kind.
Would you ever wear a piece of jewelry made out of your child's umbilical stump?
