delay after birth when cutting umbilical cord

**wannabemum** · 17-04-2007 19:50

I would love to hear some experiences of women that have done this as I am interested in doing this when my bubby boy is born.

For those that have not heard of this, it is when the umbilical cord is left a minute or 2 after the baby is delivered (via natural birth) to allow the baby to continue to receive oxygenated blood from mother whilst their lungs open and function completely.

I would love some advice (no criticism please

).....

Here is a great website: http://www.**********.com.au/article...-cord-clamping

I took the following info from a report:
A systematic review finds that delaying the clamping rather than doing it immediately also reduces anemia and increases blood pressure and blood volume, helping infants off to a healthier start in life,

"If the cord is left unclamped for a short time after the birth, some of the baby's blood from the placenta passes to the baby to help the flow of blood to the baby's lungs."Delaying cord clamping for just a very short time helped the babies to adjust to their new surroundings better."

**the_queen** · 17-04-2007 19:55

Yup, I did this with DS. My midwife was completely on board with the choice, she agreed with me that it's the best and natural thing to do. I considered Lotus Birth but the (ex)husband vetoed that decision...

My husband and daughter felt the cord pulsating immediately after the birth, it was amazing for them to feel and see that. The cord went a different colour (I wasn't paying much attention

white, i think?) And after it had stopped, my husband cut the cord.

Just let your midwife know that you'd like the cord to continue pulsing after baby is born, and remember that you're able to switch CP's if they're not going to "allow" you to have the kind of birth you want.

You have a beautiful baby belly, by the way!!

**tru** · 17-04-2007 19:56

We wanted to wait as long as we could, preferably until I had delivered the placenta. I think the midwife gave us about 10 minutes after DS was born. The cord had well and truly ceased pulsating. I delivered the placenta naturally about another 20 mins later. My advice is to include your wishes in your birth plan and discuss it with your support team before the birth.

**wannabemum** · 17-04-2007 19:56

HI

,

Thank you for your reply. Yes this is what I would like to do! And I have been told wait until the cord has finished pulsating and then dp can cut it.

Great, thanks!

**JorBai** · 17-04-2007 19:57

Wow Holly I have never heard of that! It sounds fantastic?

Great info as usual Queenie!!!

**Jenko** · 17-04-2007 20:05

I also wanted this done. I had a water birth with DS and we did leave the cord attached for a couple of minutes, but DS was a bit quiet and my midwife started to get a little concerned so she reached in the pool and cut it and whisked DS up to check him out. He was fine. I think he was just really relaxed, or that's what I like to think anyway.

I was going to try and wait for the placenta to birth naturally as well, I got out of the pool and got into bed and started breastfeeding DS, but I had this awful pressure pain at the base of my spine and was really uncomfortable so after about 15 minutes I asked for the injection to birth the placenta. It came out a couple of mins later and the pain went away. It must have been hitting a nerve or something.

**Jinglebells** · 17-04-2007 20:11

yip I had that done, there is no rush in my oppinion, bubs is put on my chest and we have lots of cuddles before anything is touched, usually about 5 or so mins after the birth DH cuts the cord, I watched some of DS birth on dvd the other day and it seamed like longer that it was left, I might time it while watching it one day lol, anyways I think its the most natrual thing to do, if there are no problems with bubs I say do it

and actually to tell you the truth I thought it was normal to wait that long after the birth lol, untill I started chatting to people

i'll be doing the same thing this time,

**wannabemum** · 17-04-2007 20:16

Originally Posted by Gizmo

and actually to tell you the truth I thought it was normal to wait that long after the birth lol, untill I started chatting to people

,

Apparently not Gizmo, alot of doctors/middies want to get in there and have it cut AS SOON as bub has come out!

**kymmy** · 17-04-2007 20:20

I only heard about lotus birth recently and I feel quite upset that I didn't know about it sooner - even delaying.

With my 4th baby I will certainly wait til I have the cord cut. Hubby feels a lil upset as he thinks that his only job, but I have time to convince him of the benefits.

**wannabemum** · 17-04-2007 20:23

Hi kymmy,

Lotus birth is a step further in this process. Info below:

Lotus birth is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut, so that the baby remains attached to his/her placenta until the cord naturally separates at the umbilicus- exactly as a cut cord does- at 3 to 10 days after birth. This prolonged contact can be seen as a time of transition, allowing the baby to slowly and gently let go of his/her attachment to the mother's body.