Delayed Cord Clamping

Pregnant mothers often ask me about the 3rd stage of birth. What are their options? What can they do and what is important? The placenta is always an issue close to the heart of all decision making - even down to the very important task of cutting the cord. Recent research however looks at the importance of keeping the cord intact after birth to support the healthy transition of the baby into the outside world.
Delayed cord clamping leaves the cord alone after birth and avoids disrupting the normal birth process, allowing the placenta to birth itself and remain intact.
While the cord is pulsating, placental transfusion is supplying the baby with oxygen, nutrients and an increased blood volume to support the transition to life outside the womb.
Delayed cord clamping may offer benefits to the newborn baby including higher number of red blood cells, stem cells and immune cells at birth.
Before birth, the baby and placenta share a circulating blood supply that is separate to the mother's. The placenta provides the baby with oxygen, nutrients and clears waste, which is why a significant amount of the baby's total blood volume is in the placenta at any given time. It is worth considering the blood circulating the placenta and cord is not 'extra' blood or waste – it belongs to the baby. It is part of it's very own circulatory system. If you are exploring your options it is best to discuss this with your midwife or doctor who will be present and monitoring your birth.
For more reasons why this may be beneficial to your baby go to:
http://www.cord-clamping.com