The benefits of delayed cord clamping
Before having your baby, you’re going to want to build your birth preferences so that your caregiving team can make sure your wishes are respected. There are lots of things to think about, so for starters, it’s worth looking at our birth preferences template in the Hypnobirthing Pack, which will help you to set out all your plans. In this blog we’re going to talk about one that is getting a lot of buzz lately - delayed (or optimised) cord clamping.
What is delayed cord clamping
Delayed cord clamping involves postponing the clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord, which runs between your baby and the placenta, for at least 3 minutes after birth. The placenta has been feeding your baby via the umbilical cord for 9 months, but now it’s time for them to be separated! The purpose of delayed cord clamping is to allow the placenta to pump all the baby’s blood back down the cord to the baby. At birth, the cord will be firm, pulsing and blue as it’s filled with blood. If you allow for fully delayed cord clamping (which can last for 8-10 minutes) the cord will be intact until all the blood has passed through, leaving it limp, white and visibly empty.
Traditionally, immediate cord clamping (within 15 to 30 seconds after birth) was a common practice. The reasons for this were primarily based on concerns about maternal bleeding and the placenta being retained (this is when part of the placenta doesn’t fully come away from the uterus after birth). However, evolving research has highlighted the advantages of delaying this procedure, prompting a recent shift in clinical guidelines and practices amongst midwives and obstetricians in the UK and other countries.
Birthing your placenta
A quick note on how you can birth your placenta, which is also something to think about for your birth preferences. There are two ways to do this. The first is a physiological delivery, where you wait for your body to birth the placenta on its own. The second is active management, which means having an injection of an oxytocic drug into a muscle in your leg or bottom to manage the process. Your caregiver will then deliver the placenta by giving some gentle traction on the cord once it has stopped pulsating. Read more on the different stages of labour here.
The benefits of delayed cord clamping
Delayed cord clamping can improve the baby’s blood volume and iron levels by as much as 30% by delivering an additional 80-100 ml to the baby. This enhances their iron stores and can prevent early onset iron deficiency anaemia.
Boosts iron stores: More blood means more iron, which can support healthy brain development.
Reduces risk of anaemia: Newborns are less likely to face iron deficiency in their first year.
This additional blood from the placenta supports the newborn’s cardiovascular system and aids a smoother transition to life outside the uterus.
Benefits for preterm babies
For preterm babies, delayed cord clamping is particularly beneficial. It is associated with a lower risk of complications such as intraventricular haemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis, both of which can have serious implications for the baby. Because of this, many units in the UK now use warm mobile platforms where the baby can be placed next to the mother whilst remaining attached to the umbilical cord. This gives a stable firm surface where healthcare providers can provide breathing support (if necessary), whilst still remaining attached to the placenta.
What are the recommended guidelines for delayed cord clamping?
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) alongside the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), recommends delayed cord clamping for at least one minute and ideally until the cord stops pulsating. This guideline applies to both term and preterm infants, underscoring the wide-ranging benefits of delayed cord clamping. This is a simple, low-cost intervention that can have significant long-term health benefits for the neonate (baby!).
Is delayed cord clamping always possible?
It is however worth mentioning that whilst delayed cord clamping is beneficial in most cases, it may not always be feasible. Situations requiring immediate neonatal care, such as the baby needing some resuscitation or breathing support may necessitate earlier clamping. Similarly, maternal conditions such as heavy bleeding may also require the midwife to cut the cord sooner than planned. Trust that your baby will be just fine if they have their cord cut soon after birth, delayed cord clamping was not always common practice, so most of us probably had our cord cut immediately!
Who cuts the baby’s umbilical cord?
In most cases it is nearly always possible for the birthing partner or person to have the option to cut the cord themselves (with the help of your midwife) and is a happy and memorable end to the birth. Please feel free to talk to your midwife about your birth preferences so that everyone is aware of what you want before the time comes.
Remember, every birth is unique, and what works for one family might not work for another. But with the growing body of evidence supporting delayed cord clamping, it’s certainly worth discussing with your healthcare provider. For more tips on what to advocate for during and after your birth, why not check out the award-winning Hypnobirthing Pack, arming you with tools and practical knowledge to help you feel calm, prepared and even excited for your birth!
References:
1. Royal College of Midwives (RCM). “Position Statement: Delayed Cord Clamping.”
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). “Intrapartum Care for Healthy Women and Babies.”
3. McDonald, S.J., et al. “Effect of timing of umbilical cord clamping of term infants on maternal and neonatal outcomes.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
4. Farrar, D., et al. “Timing of umbilical cord clamping and neonatal outcomes.” Archives of Disease in Childhood.
