Opinions on when to clamp/cut the umbilical cord

[Sajaca2011]

I'm curious as to everyone's opinions on this subject. Cut the cord and clean the baby right away, wait until the cord is no longer pulsating, wait just a few minutes or half an hour? This is baby no.4 but for us, but is a topic I'd like to have more discussion about.  Thanks!

[EEB1219]

We waited about half an hour. Hospitals typically practice delayed cord clamping especially if it's in your birth plan.

[jjolfert]

We donate the cord blood. So we get it cut right away. For us, thr possibility that our baby being a tiny bit anemic for a few days is worth it if we help save another child's life who has leukemia or another type of cancer.

[Van818]

The fact that in a hospital the cord is cut right away is one of the many reasons why I have chosen to have a home birth. Scary as its my first and I'm 40!! As previously said; research shows its best to wait for it to stop pulsing.

[lst888]

They said its good if its not cut instantly. Do u guys plan to keep the stem cell? If yes,it needs to be cut immediately to avoid bacteria.

[lousie_1986]

All the most up to date research suggests at least leaving it until it stops pulsing as it affects iron levels and more... Babies get about a third extra blood if you leave it... That's a third of their blood volume your baby misses out on if they clamp straight away! a huge amount! And hospitals may clamp early due to their protocol, but you can say no. They are not allowed to go against your wishes. (To be honest I think any hospital or ob that continues this outdated practice is disgustingly ignorant or inconsiderate.)

[Naybabe_84]

We are on number 5 and we wait to cut the cord until it stops pulsing. I'm in not rush it's supposed to give baby an extra boost.

[35andpreggers]

If you give birth in the hospital they usually cut the cord right away. If you have a midwife of a natural childbirth friendly doctor,  you may have more autonomy to make these decisions. If I were to have a home birth or birth center birth,  I would definitely wait. The cord is continuing to supply your baby with oxygenated blood and nutrients from you. Talk to your doctor/midwife and pediatrician and see what they think about it.