Understanding the Pros and Cons Delayed Cord Clamping
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As a new parent-to-be, you undoubtedly have countless questions about the best way to care for your newborn. One area that has gained a lot of attention in recent years is delayed cord clamping. This practice involves delaying the cutting of the umbilical cord for a few minutes after the birth of your baby. While some parents and healthcare providers have embraced the practice, others remain skeptical. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of delayed cord clamping, so you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for you and your little one.
Delaying cord clamping allows newborns to maintain consistent blood volume and avoid expending energy on calorie burning in their first week of life. This practice may prevent unnecessary formula supplementation, which can be caused by common issues like early weight loss and low iron levels. Pediatricians often suggest waiting to clamp the cord as a preventative measure.
Despite some obstetricians' reservations, the practice of allowing a newborn to have skin-to-skin contact while still attached to the umbilical cord has been found to be safe and effective, dispelling any prior concerns.
Your bare chest is the ideal spot to do this, as most cords are spacious enough for your little one to perch on. It's the ultimate destination to shift; your newborn wishes to listen to your heart throb, inhale your scent, and gaze at your visage. Moreover, the warmth of 96-degree cord blood will provide additional comfort.
Despite some obstetricians' reservations, the practice of allowing a newborn to have skin-to-skin contact while still attached to the umbilical cord has been found to be safe and effective, dispelling any prior concerns.
It is not uncommon for parents to have concerns about losing custody of their newborns upon delivery. However, when the umbilical cord remains attached, such worries are unfounded. There is a common belief among prospective parents to wait until the cord ceases pulsating before severing it. However, manipulating the cord in any way to check its pulsation may actually halt it altogether. So, it is best to limit interference and let the cord finish its job of delivering vital nutrients to the infant. This approach will provide the baby with more of their own blood supply, ensuring a healthy transition into the world.
Delaying cord clamping has proven beneficial for newborns, but how long should you wait? Initial research examined a 30- or 60-second wait, while a TED Talk physician believes waiting 90 seconds saves on global healthcare costs. However, of even greater benefit to babies is a two-minute wait. Waiting five to ten minutes yields even more advantages.
When it comes to delayed cord clamping and cord blood banking, parents often seek my advice. Delaying the cord clamping for a brief moment or two won't impact the amount of cord blood available for banking. However, if you allow most or all of the baby's blood to enter their body during birth, there won't be much left to save. Furthermore, even with a cesarean section birth, delaying the cord clamping by some amount of time is still possible.
As an advocate for natural birth, I highly suggest that parents consider delaying the umbilical cord cutting until they feel ready. After all, birth is a major milestone and cutting the cord is another important step, neither of which need to happen simultaneously. During those precious few moments immediately following delivery, parents are often preoccupied with admiring their newborn - marveling at every tiny detail, from the baby’s scent to their finger and toe count.
Take your time, there's no need to hurry, you can sever the cord once you've had the opportunity to bond with your newborn.
Intrigued? Would you like to incorporate delayed cord clamping into your birthing plan/preparations?
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