Benefits of Delayed Cord Clamping
Delayed cord clamping is no longer a niche practice; it’s becoming standard in delivery rooms worldwide. If you’ve been preparing for childbirth— through research, classes, or conversations with your healthcare professional—you’ve likely heard about it. But what is delayed cord clamping, and why does it matter? Let’s find out!
What is delayed cord clamping?
Cord clamping is the process in which the umbilical cord is clamped after the baby is born and subsequently cut. In the past, this clamping was done immediately after the baby’s delivery.
However, the evidence of delayed cord clamping benefits now favor waiting for 2-3 minutes before clamping the cord. This allows all blood from the placenta to flow back into the baby’s circulation before the cord is cut. This is called delayed cord clamping.
How long is optimal delayed cord clamping?
Delayed cord clamping is often done between 60 seconds to 3 minutes after delivery, until the cord stops pulsating. The cessation of pulsation indicates that most of the blood from the cord has returned to the baby’s circulation.
What are the benefits of delayed cord clamping?
Some of the benefits of delayed cord clamping include:
- Improving the baby’s iron storage
- Preventing anemia in the newborn
- Preventing fetal hypothermia
Overall, it has a beneficial effect on the baby’s brain development.
How does delayed cord clamping work at Nativiti Birth Center?
We put the baby directly on mom’s chest, and we leave the cord attached until it stops pulsating on its own. This aids the transfer of extra red blood cells to the baby and helps prevent anemia for the first year of the baby’s life.
The umbilical cord can act as a lifeline for the baby, ensuring continuous oxygen supply if the baby is slow to breathe. Delayed clamping allows the baby time to adjust to its new environment without worrying about oxygen deprivation.
If you have more questions about delayed cord clamping, it’s best to discuss it with your healthcare provider during prenatal appointments.
