Delayed Cord-Clamping: The Risks, Benefits, and Methods You Need to Know BEFORE Giving Birth

Show Notes:

I want this episode to give you some things to think about when it comes to delayed cord-clamping and questions to ask your provider. We’ll talk about the pros and cons and different methods of cord-clamping, which I hope will help you make the decision of how you want to handle it for you and your baby a little easier! 💜

[1:11] Our reviewer of the week, KaitlynL2021, says: “Absolutely love this podcast. My husband and I are hoping to get pregnant in the next year, and this podcast makes me so excited. When we started talking about having kids I was nervous because I didn’t know anything. Now I feel confident and like I know what I’m getting myself into. I also feel like I have options and there isn’t one “right” way to give birth. I love that this podcast gives all of the options from crunchy to conventional, and I can’t wait to be in the birth class one day in the future!”

I am so excited! You totally get it and you’re not even pregnant yet! This is exactly what I’m trying to do with this podcast! It’s okay to be different from the person sitting next to you! There are so many decisions that you will make for what’s best for you and your baby! Hear ye this! 😂📜

[2:30] For today’s episode, we’re going to talk about one of the decisions you will have to make immediately after baby’s birth. It’s important to have all the information beforehand so you’re able to research and figure out what’s best for you and your baby. 💜

[2:59] Cord-clamping happens immediately after you give birth vaginally or via C-section. In most hospitals, once baby is born, the cord is immediately clamped. 🗜️

[4:03] After you give birth to your baby, your baby’s umbilical cord is still attached to the placenta, which you will birth shortly after. About 10-30 seconds after birth, a clamp is put on the cord which cuts off the flow of blood and oxygen between the baby and the placenta. ✂️

[5:18] Delayed cord clamping can be anywhere between 1-5 minutes. Let your provider know what you want! There are different types of delayed cord clamping. ⏰

[6:20] We’re looking at about 10 minutes for delayed cord-clamping. When baby is born, 1/3 of their blood volume is still in the placenta! With delayed cord clamping, all of that blood can be put back into the baby. 🩸

[7:18] Benefits of Delayed Cord-Clamping 👍🏼

1. Additional beneficial blood cells
2. Warm blood (regulates their body temperature)
3. Oxygen
4. Extra boost of iron, reducing anemia
5. Decreased need for blood transfusion in preterm infants
6. More stem cells helping organ repair and supporting early immunity
7. Improved cardiovascular function
8. Can also reduce the risk of infection post-birth such as from sepsis, hospital-acquired infections, and even serious gut infections

[9:40] Benefits for Mom and Baby 🤱🏼

1. Being close to mom and able to snuggle which regulates body temp regulation, encourages bonding, allows baby’s closeness to help produce oxytocin to allow placental release, and comforts mom by seeing, hearing, and touching her baby
2. Even neonatal resuscitation can be done on mom’s belly or chest while doing delayed-cord clamping
3. No separation for mom and baby

[12:20] Risks of Delayed Cord-Clamping ⚠️

1. Slight increased risk of jaundice (too much volume of blood for the liver to take care of)
2. Risk of polycythemia - having high concentration of red blood cells in your blood that can create blood sluggishness
3. Having to fight your provider on it

[13:49] Delayed cord-clamping may not be for you if your baby is born needing immediate medical care, you experience hemorrhaging, or you choose not to delay cord-clamping! It all depends on each individual situation. 👶🏻

[15:30] How delayed cord-clamping is done and why it matters! Ask your doctor how they do it. 🤔

1. Wait and Leave It Alone
2. Cord-Milking

[19:56] ACOG’s (American Academy of Obstetrics & Gynecology) recommendation for the benefits of delayed cord-clamping are linked below for you to bring to your provider for an educated discussion. 📑

[20:30] I’ve also linked a video of Penny Simkin illustrating the importance of blood transfer between placenta and baby. She also wrote “The Birth Partner,” which is an excellent resource for you and your birth partner to read! 📚

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Links Mentioned:

My Essential Birth Course

My Essential Birth Instagram

ACOG’s Recommendations for Delayed Cord-Clamping

Importance of Blood Transfer between Placenta and Baby

The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin