Delayed Cord Clamping – What Is It and Why Is It Important?
Bringing a new life into the world is a miraculous and profound experience. As parents, we strive to make choices that promote the health and well-being of our little ones. One such decision is delayed umbilical cord clamping, a practice that offers a myriad of benefits for newborns. Let's delve into what delayed cord clamping entails, why it's done, and the positive impact it can have on your baby.
First of all, what is an umbilical cord and what does it do?
An umbilical is made of a gelatinous substance called Wharton’s jelly and contains 3 blood vessels, it connects the baby to the placenta and mother, and acts as a highway providing vital nutrients and oxygen to the baby while removing waste.
What is Delayed Cord Clamping?
Delayed umbilical cord clamping is a practice where the umbilical cord is not clamped and cut immediately after the baby is born. Instead, you would wait for a period, usually a minimum of 30-60 seconds to several minutes (according to the NHS), before severing the connection between the baby and the placenta. The key to look out for is that the cord has stopped pulsating and turned white, this means there is no blood travelling in the cord and all blood that is going to return to baby has done so. This can take longer than 60 seconds.
What Are The Benefits of Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping?
The WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends delayed cord clamping. At any one time approximately a third of baby’s blood is in the placenta, it used to be thought that we should cut the cord immediately to stop the blood going back into the placenta, via the umbilical cord. It is now known, that in fact if we wait the blood in the placenta returns to the baby, providing essential nutrients and immune-boosting goodness. This can contribute to better iron levels and overall health in the first few months of life.
This deeper understanding of the physiological processes occurring during and after birth has also shown us that waiting to cut the cord allows for the baby to receive a continued supply of oxygen from the placenta, aiding in a smoother transition from womb to the outside world.
The extra supply of oxygen during delayed clamping supports optimal brain development. Studies suggest a potential link between delayed cord clamping and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants.
The additional blood flow supports the baby's respiratory system, facilitating a smoother transition to breathing on their own. This is particularly beneficial for premature infants who may need extra respiratory support.
There is a slight increase in risk of baby developing jaundice with delayed cord clamping, however it is agreed that the benefits far outweigh the risk.
Can I Delay the Clamping of Cord if I Have a Caesarean?
In most cases, yes. The type of birth doesn’t determine whether you delay the clamping of the cord. However, in emergency situations or where twins are born sharing a placenta care providers will look to clamp the cord sooner. It’s always best to have your wishes in your birth plan/preferences and discuss these with your care provider.
Other Points To Know/Consider:
· You can cuddle your baby immediately, there is no need for the cord to cut before skin-to-skin
· You can decide who cuts the cord, perhaps it’s you, your birth partner or a healthcare professional
· You can ask to look at the placenta, I would highly recommend this. It’s beautiful and it really is a marvel to see the organ that you grew and has been sustaining your baby all these months!
· You can ask to keep your placenta, perhaps to send off to be encapsulated or you may want to bury it as a thoughtful ceremony and memory of your pregnancy.
Can You Not Cut The Umbilical Cord?
Yes, this would be called a Lotus Birth, this is where baby and placenta are born and are not separated by cutting the cord. Instead, the cord is left to detach on its own, usually taking between 3 and 10 days.
A lotus birth is often seen as a spiritual ritual to honour the sacred bond between baby and placenta. It is widely practiced in countries like Indonesia, where the placenta would be washed, salted, covered in herbs and wrapped in something that absorbs the moisture. Salting would be repeated with a decreasing frequency depending on moistness of the placenta. It’s resurgence in the Western world is thought to have been brought about by Claire Day, who promoted lotus birth after she observed that anthropoid apes don’t sever their infants from the placenta.
With a lotus birth there is an increased risk of infection for baby, especially if the placenta is not cared for correctly. There is also a risk of cord avulsion, where the cord would be accidentally ripped away from baby causing injury.
There is very little research available on lotus births, and what we do know is anecdotal rather than evidence based.
In the journey of parenthood, the choices we make for our children's well-being carry profound significance. Delayed umbilical cord clamping is a simple yet impactful decision that aligns with the natural processes of birth, offering a wealth of benefits for our babies. By embracing this practice, we give our babies the gift of time – a few extra moments that can make a lasting difference in their health and development.
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