Evidence for an extra few minutes

Do you know that it is considered "delayed" cord clamping if it is more than 30 seconds after baby is out?


One of my students asked me for some research to present to her OB that suggests delayed cord clamping is beneficial, since the OB's opinion is that it is better to clamp and cut immediately due to increased risk of jaundice. As a side note, I would like to say that I always recommend my students also do their own research and then consult their personal health care provider to be the best consumer of health care and advocate for your family as possible. Secondly, props to my student for asking about these issues early on to figure out what is best in your situation and what your provider recommends. And thirdly, yay for a doc who is willing to listen to what the "research shows." This is a great example of how medical opinion varies and that in some cases, while the studies do "show," there may be either a delay in the change of the practice or even resistance. 


So, to help you my students and consumers of health care on your way to discovering for yourself what is best for you and your family, I wanted to share links to some studies that that you may find interesting, in addition to a previous post of mine.

• Very interesting video of grand rounds at University of South Carolina - 2011 Dr. Nicholas Fogelson presenting data to show positive physiologic and clinical outcomes. I watched the whole thing and really recommend it, if you (or your provider) are on the fence about allowing the intervention of "early" cord clamping.
• World Health Organization - current commentary in their Reproductive Health Library recommends delaying of cord clamping, with the caution of taking into consideration that there is a increased incidence of jaundice requiring phototherapy which may not be available in underdeveloped countries.
• Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health - 2001 literature review showing many benefits in the first week through 2 months of age.

Delayed cord clamping - a benefit, months later

These types studies have been out for years, but it is encouraging to see that more mainstream media is getting the word out there, click here to read more from the NY Times. 

The general finding from this particular study relating to iron levels, was the babies had a lower incidence of iron deficiency months later if the cord was clamped 3 minutes or later, instead of within 10 seconds. You may think, that is not much time difference, but it is to the baby's iron supply! Or you may wonder, do practitioners actually clamp the cord that quickly... and the answer is, you betcha. If you have not made a request for delayed cord clamping and/or discussed what your doctor's (or her/his partners within the group practice) general practice is, you may find the the cord is clamped in one fell swoop, just as your baby is inhaling its first breath of air. Also, you may want to request that the doctor leave orders that if the baby is born before she arrives to "catch" him/her, that it is ok that the nurses delay cord clamping, otherwise they may just do it right away, as away to begin to quickly check off all the things that they need to "get done."

Talk to your doctor about your preferences, include your desires in your birth plan, and feel free to ask about these types of studies, if necessary.