Delayed Cord Clamping

Delayed cord clamping

Delayed cord clamping is the process in which you wait to clamping the umbilical cord after your baby is born for 1-5 minutes at the least.

The placenta is the organ that connects mother and baby and it is full of nutrient rich blood that has many benefits for your baby.

At the time of birth up to 1/3 of your baby's blood volume is still in the placenta. By waiting to cut the cord you allow most of that blood to make its way back to your baby's system.

You will end up with a baby who has:

- increased blood volume

- improved iron stores

- has less chance of developing anaemia

Delayed cord clamping is standard practice in a lot of hospitals now but occasionally some circumstances will prevent it from being possible. Things like an immediate resuscitation of an unwell baby or a post-partum haemorrhage in mum could mean that it is not possible. Obviously safety is of the utmost importance so we need to respect those situations but be sure to talk to your care provider about Delayed cord clamping for your birth.