“Delayed umbilical cord clamping is associated with significant neonatal benefits in preterm infants, including improved transitional circulation, better establishment of red blood cell volume, decreased need for blood transfusion, and lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage.” - ACOG Full article can be found here… ACOG delayed cord clamping
Is it really that important to ensure my baby gets more time attached to the placenta…? Answer is YES!
What is delayed cord clamping?
Put simply delayed cord clamping is exactly what it sounds like, delayed time in clamping the cord right after birth! Instead of immediately clamping we wait! The practice of cutting the cord immediately after birth is often overlooked and misunderstood to “not being a big deal”. Luckily more research and studies are being done to actually reverse this myth. Research is supporting the many benefits as to why mothers should wait at least 1-3 minutes for cord clamping. Others wait 5-10 minutes and even some midwifes are practicing on leaving the umbilical cord attached to the placenta until it is fully done pumping. Some mothers even practice “Lotus birth” which is when the baby and placenta stay attached until it breaks naturally, this can take anywhere from 3-10 days. When a baby is born, anywhere from 25-60% of the fetal blood supply remains in the placenta. Even waiting a short amount of time to cut the umbilical chord will make a difference in your babies blood volume as well as your babies overall health and well being.
Placenta’s job
Throughout your pregnancy, the umbilical cord has functioned as the connection between your baby and the placenta, a highly important part and organ. So wild to think that women literally CREATE another organ to aid in their pregnancy and health of the baby. Once your baby is born its been told that the umbilical chord and placenta have no purpose anymore, and this is a big misconception that can later down the road cause health issues. After birth the placenta still has a job to due…
“The extra blood at birth helps the baby to cope better with the transition from life in the womb, where everything is provided for them by the placenta and the mother, to the outside world. Their lungs get more blood so that the exchange of oxygen into the blood can take place smoothly.” - American Pregnancy Association
The benefits of delayed cord clamping
Increases blood volume and allows oxygenated blood to flow back into baby
Decreases risk of anemia
Increase levels of red blood cells
Improved blood circulation and temperature
Increased brain development
Extra supply of Iron
Increase in motor & cognitive scores
Supports rapid growth of new born
Benefits premature babies immensely
Significant neonatal benefits for premature babies
Whether you decide to delay your babies cord clamping by even the recommended 1-3 minutes or go the route of lotus birth take time to yourself and educate yourself on what would best work for you and your baby. Incorporating delayed cord clamping in your birth plan is a great start to taking initiative and action. Knowledge is power! The more we are aware of birth and the natural process of it, the more we can make empowered informed decisions. Talk about your birth plan with your doctor, midwife, birth center etc. on your wishes with delayed cord clamping. As always, educate, research, and listen to your intuition on what's best for you and your baby. Only you have the power in your birth, no one else can take that power away from you.
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