Delayed cord clamping is where the cord is not clamped and cut immediately after birth. Cutting the umbilical cord straight after the baby has been born has been a standard practice for a long time but research now shows that this is not what is best.
After the baby has been born the umbilical cord which links the baby to the placenta continues to pulse and transfer blood from the placenta to the baby. If the cord is immediately cut after the baby is born, the baby will not get the blood that is still circulating in the placenta and this can be around a whopping 30% of your baby’s blood volume! Ideally, you should wait at least 3 minutes before cord clamping and cutting but you can wait for as long as you would like.
Delaying cord clamping is suitable in most situations, however, if the mother is bleeding heavily or there is a problem with the placenta there may be a need for the cord to cut sooner.
The benefits of delayed cord clamping:
- Increased iron levels which helps growth, physical and emotional development.
- Increased amount of stem cells which helps baby’s growth and helps with their immune system.
Delaying the cord clamping is of special benefit to premature and poorly babies who are reported to have:
- Higher blood pressure.
- A higner number of red blood cells.
- A risk of anaemia.
You can still delay the clamp if you’re having a caesarean birth and if you’re having the injection to deliver the placenta. Speak to your midwife if you have any concerns.
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