Delayed Cord Clamping is a straightforward, physiological practice that involves waiting to clamp and cut the umbilical cord for a period of time after the baby is born.
What is Delayed Cord Clamping?
Historically, the umbilical cord was often clamped almost immediately (within the first 15–30 seconds) after birth, known as Early Cord Clamping (ECC).
Delayed Cord Clamping (DCC) is defined as waiting at least 30 to 60 seconds after birth, or often much longer, such as until the cord has stopped pulsing and has visibly gone from thick and purple/blue to thin and white (“wait for white”). This delay allows for a significant amount of blood, known as the “placental transfusion,” to continue flowing from the placenta to the baby.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying clamping for at least one minute, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a delay of at least 30–60 seconds for vigorous term and preterm infants.
New Traditions Midwifery Philosophy: Delayed Cord Clamping is one of the core care essentials offered at New Traditions Midwifery in League City, supporting a gentler and more physiological transition for your baby.
Why is DCC So Beneficial for the Baby?
The primary benefit of delaying cord clamping is the transfer of vital, oxygen-rich blood, stem cells, and iron from the placenta into the baby’s circulatory system. This is essentially a natural, life-sustaining “top-up” of blood volume.
1. Increased Blood Volume and Iron Stores
- Increased Blood Volume: DCC can increase a newborn’s blood volume by up to one-third (30-40%). This extra blood helps stabilize the baby’s blood pressure and cardiorespiratory function as they transition to life outside the womb.
- Improved Iron Stores: The extra blood provides a significant boost to the baby’s iron stores, which are crucial for healthy development. This helps prevent iron deficiency anemia in the first 4–6 months of life, a condition that can negatively affect brain development.
2. Better Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Studies suggest that the increased iron stores and overall better oxygenation provided by DCC may have a favorable effect on developmental outcomes, including improved fine motor skills and better myelin content (a brain insulating material essential for communication) in key brain areas.
3. Enhanced Benefits for Preterm Infants
The benefits are especially pronounced for babies born prematurely. For preterm infants, DCC is associated with:
- Improved transitional circulation.
- Decreased need for blood transfusions.
- Lower incidence of serious complications like Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) (a severe intestinal problem) and Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) (bleeding in the brain).
4. More Stem Cells
The additional placental blood transferred contains a high concentration of stem cells, which are essential for repairing and developing organs, the immune system, and the neurological system.
In summary, Delayed Cord Clamping is a vital part of gentle, evidence-based care that provides newborns with a more complete blood volume and rich supply of iron and stem cells, supporting a smoother transition to life.
