Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical application of mother milk on umbilical cord stump separation time compared to ethanol in healthy newborn. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used for the study. Setting: The study was carried out in postpartum unite of obstetrics department at Benha University Hospital Sample: A purposive sample of 100 neonates randomly assigned into two groups (50) in mother milk group, and (50) in ethanol group. Tools: Data were collected through two main tools: Structured interview schedule and follow up observational checklist for monitoring signs of cord healing, cord separation time and signs of cord infection. Results: There was highly statistically significant difference in umbilical cord stump separation time, sign of cord infection, bleeding continuation and mucoid secretion in mother milk group as compared with ethanol group. Conclusion and recommendation: Topical application of mother milk on umbilical cord stump care leads to quick cord separation time, reduce the umbilical cord stump infection and it can be used as an easy, cheap and non invasive way for cord care. Therefore, it is recommended that study can be replicated on large sample size with longer duration in different setting so that the findings can be generalized to large population