What is Delayed Cord Clamping?
Placenta Remedies & Delayed Cord Clamping
I am writing this month about delayed cord clamping because it’s a topic that has been raised by a few mothers wondering if it will prevent them from enjoying the benefits of placenta encapsulation.
I’ll explain what delayed clamping is, and the view of the medical profession, because I know that mums and mums-to-be welcome all information that can help them make informed choices.
After reading the growing body of evidence that delayed cord clamping is better for the baby, I am in favour of the practice and believe it can work in perfect harmony with encapsulating your placenta.
I am also in favour of stem cells storage, which again is safely compatible with placenta encapsulation (though that might be a topic for a future blog). I believe that in these cases it is the mother’s choice, and I support what they feel is right for them and their baby.
What is delayed cord clamping?
Traditionally, the umbilical cord between a mother’s placenta and her baby was clamped immediately after birth (usually within ten seconds of delivery) because delay was thought to cause jaundice. However, studies in the last decade or so have shown that delaying by just a few minutes can have real benefits for the baby.
What are the advantages of delayed cord clamping?
Medical studies have suggested positive effects of delayed cord clamping, including improved iron stores, blood volume and brain development.
A Swedish study published in the British Medical Journal proved that waiting at least three minutes before cutting the umbilical cord reduces the chance of iron deficiency when babies reach four months old: iron levels in the blood were almost 50% higher when clamping was delayed. The researchers wrote: ‘Iron deficiency even without anaemia has been associated with impaired development among infants.’
Did you know that nearly a third of a newborn’s total blood volume is held in the placenta at birth? Half of that blood is transfused into the baby by 1 minute of age. By 3 minutes, more than 90% of the transfusion is complete.
As well as preventing iron deficiency at a critical time in brain development, other advantages include providing the baby with a rich supply of stem cells and oxygen-carrying haemoglobin. The Swedish researchers then studied the children again when they were four years old, and found that those where clamping was delayed had better fine-motor skills.
What does the medical profession say?
Although in America cord clamping within 15 to 20 seconds after birth is the norm, the World Health Organisation recommends delay. It says: “Delayed umbilical cord clamping (not earlier than 1 min after birth) is recommended for improved maternal and infant health and nutrition outcomes.” This applies equally to preterm and term births.
In the UK, regulator NICE has ruled in favour of delay. Its quality statement spells out: “Women who have just given birth do not have the cord clamped for at least 1 minute after the birth unless there are concerns about cord integrity or the baby's heartbeat. This is to allow more blood to reach the baby and may help to prevent anaemia.”
How does delayed clamping affect placenta encapsulation?
Delayed clamping does not affect placenta encapsulation. The Placenta Practice will still be able to collect your placenta, encapsulate it and produce remedies ranging from massage oil to placenta balms and creams for mothers and babies.
By delaying clamping, more nutrients, iron, oxygen and stem cells go straight from the placenta into your baby in the delivery room. You can the extend the benefits for months to come by preserving the incredible power of your placenta in nourishing and healing remedies.
Will I still get all the benefits of placenta remedies?
Yes, mothers tell me that placenta remedies have given them an immediate uplift, with benefits including:
- Reduced water retention
- Better skin, noticeable by friends and family
- Reduced swelling
- Reduced bleeding
- Quicker return of uterus to pre-pregnancy size (mistaken by some as weight loss)
- Reduced pain.
To read their testimonials, click here: https://www.placentapractice.co.uk/about/testimonials/
I love answering mothers’ questions, so do get in touch with me.
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