Don't Cut That Cord!!!

Are There Benefits To Delayed Cord Clamping After Delivery?

When research was lacking, medical staff was left to decide on standard practice on delayed cord clamping. However, there has been more research in recent history concerning delayed cord clamping, and its effects can be significant.

If you allow, we will start with the question, "What is delayed cord clamping?" then, let's take a look at some of the research, and then let's examine some of the benefits that delayed cord clamping has to offer. Lastly, we will consider why it is essential to bring this topic up to your birth team and talk to them about how you want them to advocate for you and your baby.

What Is Delayed Cord Clamping?

Clamping of the umbilical cord is a part of the standard after-birth care. Delayed cord clamping is the lengthening of the time between birth and the clamping of the cord after the baby is born. The time between the delivery of your baby and the clamping of their cord is a spectrum that can be between 25 seconds to however long the family desires.

Delaying the cord's clamping allows more volume of your baby's blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby. The placenta is composed of two arteries and a large vein that returns blood to the baby. Allowing time between delivery and clamping of the umbilical cord transfers more of the baby's blood, giving the baby better iron storage and increased healthy brain development.

The World Health Organization's more recent recommendation is that cord clamping should wait, if possible, at least one minute. Most midwives will recommend waiting until the cord stops pulsating before clamping and cutting the cord and may wait until the placenta has been delivered.