What is delayed cord clamping? What does it matter to me or my baby? If you’re asking yourself these types of questions than you need to read on…
After a baby is born, common practice is to immediately clamp the umbilical cord that attaches the baby to the placenta which is still connected to mother’s womb. This single cord has been, up until this point, providing nutrient packed blood to keep your growing baby alive and healthy. Life-giving blood passes through the umbilical cord, by way of the placenta, to the baby. Once born, however, when baby takes that first cry the lungs fill with oxygen so life outside the womb is possible. So, the umbilical cord is obsolete then, right? Wrong.
Evidence suggests that the umbilical cord still has a purpose in ensuring your baby has the best start possible. A recent study conducted at the University of Rhode Island found that, “a five-minute delay in the clamping of healthy infants’ umbilical cords results in increased iron stores and brain myelin in areas important for early-life functional development.” This is possible because blood continues to flow through the cord to the baby for some time after birth. When clamped immediately after birth the natural flow of iron rich blood needed for healthy brain development is cut short. This does not necessarily have a negative impact on your baby’s development, but hinders the possible positive impact the cord blood can have. Even one minute is better than none.
If this is something you want to learn more about so you know your options and can make the best decision for you and your baby, I encourage you to research delayed cord clamping and read the article linked in this post. You can also contact your local doula who can help you gather the info you need.