Some babies will experience eye discharge in the first few weeks following birth. This may be from either one or both eyes. There is usually no swelling of the eye or redness of the eye itself. The cause of this discharge is most likely a blocked tear duct. Because your baby is so small, sometimes their tear ducts are not big enough to drain the fluid that the eye produces, leading to a blockage and subsequently mucus and discharge. You can simply massage the inner part of the eye a few times a day with a clean finger or with a warm towel. Usually a blocked tear duct will resolve on its own over the course of a weeks to months, usually prior to the first birthday. However, if the discharge is worsening, persistent, or you notice any swelling or redness of the eye, please contact our office.