The Timing of Umbilical Cord Clamping: What to Know

The Timing of Umbilical Cord Clamping: What Parents Should Know

The moment a baby is born is a miraculous one, filled with emotions and decisions about what’s best for both the newborn and the birthing parent. One such decision, often overlooked, is when to clamp the umbilical cord. Traditionally, the cord was clamped and cut immediately after birth. However, growing evidence suggests that waiting even a few minutes can have significant health benefits. Let’s explore the science behind delayed cord clamping (DCC) and why it might be a practice to consider for your birth plan.

What is Delayed Cord Clamping?

Delayed cord clamping involves waiting to clamp and cut the umbilical cord for a period of time after the baby is born, typically anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes or when the cord turns completely white. This practice allows blood to continue flowing from the placenta to the baby, providing valuable nutrients, oxygen, and stem cells during those critical first moments of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delayed cord clamping for all births, provided the baby does not require immediate medical intervention (WHO, 2014). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also supports waiting at least 30–60 seconds in most cases (ACOG, 2017).

Benefits for the Baby

Studies have shown that delaying cord clamping offers several key advantages for newborns including improved iron stores, higher blood volume, stem cell transfer, and lower risk of anemia. Firstly, delaying cord clamping increases the baby’s iron levels by allowing more red blood cells to transfer from the placenta. This is especially beneficial for preventing iron deficiency, a common issue in infants that can affect brain development and overall health (Chaparro et al., 2006). Secondly, the additional blood from the placenta improves the baby’s volume of  blood and circulation, helping to stabilize blood pressure and enhance organ function during the first hours of life (McDonald et al., 2013). Thirdly, the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta is rich in stem cells, which are critical for repairing and developing tissues. By delaying cord clamping, you allow more of these valuable cells to reach the baby (Mercer & Erikson-Owens, 2012). Finally, a 2013 Cochrane review found that delayed cord clamping reduces the risk of anemia during the first six months of life, especially in babies born in low-resource settings.

Are there Risks to Delayed Cord Clamping? 

While the benefits of DCC are well documented there are some considerations to discuss with your birthing team. One being the risk of jaundice, babies who receive more blood may have a slightly higher risk of developing jaundice, a common condition where the skin appears yellow due to elevated bilirubin levels. Bilirubin is a yellow compound produced during the breakdown of red blood cells and plays a crucial role as a component of bile. However, jaundice is typically treated with phototherapy and can be easily measured with a blood test (NICE, 2014). It is also wise to consider that in cases where the baby requires immediate medical attention, such as respiratory distress, delayed cord clamping might not be feasible, which is ok! 

What about Cesarean Deliveries 

Delayed cord clamping isn’t just for vaginal births. With proper planning, it can often be done during cesarean deliveries as well. In these cases, the healthcare team might hold the baby near the birthing parent or lower the baby below the level of the placenta to facilitate blood transfer (McDonald et al., 2013).

Making an Informed Choice

At Accompany Doula Care, we believe that every family deserves access to evidence-based information to make empowered choices about their birth experience. Discussing cord clamping with your doula, midwife, or healthcare provider ahead of time can ensure that your preferences are included in your birth plan. Whether you choose immediate or delayed cord clamping, the decision should align with your values, health considerations, and the unique circumstances of your delivery. Your doula can be a valuable advocate, helping you navigate these choices with confidence and care.

Final Thoughts 

The timing  of umbilical cord clamping is more than a medical decision—it’s an opportunity to provide your baby with the best possible start in life. By understanding the science and benefits behind delayed cord clamping, you can feel empowered to make an informed decision that works for you and your family. 

Accompany Doula Care is here to support you every step of the way, providing compassionate guidance and evidence-based advice for a safe and fulfilling birth experience. For more tips on birth planning and maternal health, follow our blog or contact us to learn about our doula services.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2017). Committee Opinion No. 684: Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping After Birth.

Chaparro, C. M., et al. (2006). Effect of timing of umbilical cord clamping on iron status in Mexican infants: A randomized controlled trial. The Lancet, 367(9527), 1997–2004.

McDonald, S. J., et al. (2013). Effect of timing of umbilical cord clamping of term infants on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Mercer, J. S., & Erikson-Owens, D. A. (2012). Delayed cord clamping increases stem cells for neonatal health. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 57(3), 255–261.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2014). Jaundice in newborn babies under 28 days.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2014). Delayed umbilical cord clamping for improved maternal and infant health and nutrition outcomes.