Delayed Cord Clamping: What’s the Big Deal?
Gloved hands clamp and cut a newborn baby's umbilical cord.
When preparing for childbirth, many decisions come into play regarding your and your baby’s health. One significant choice to consider is delayed cord clamping (DCC)—an important practice that more families and healthcare providers are embracing.
At Empower-Her Doula Services, we support informed decision-making and personalized care, which is why we want to provide you with the latest information on this valuable practice. If you’re expecting a baby in Utah County and are looking for a birth doula to guide you, understanding the benefits of delayed cord clamping can be a great starting point in your birth journey.
What Is Delayed Cord Clamping?
Delayed cord clamping is the practice of waiting to clamp and cut the umbilical cord for 1 to 5 minutes or until it stops pulsating—referred to as “waiting for white.” This allows extra time for blood from the placenta to flow into the baby, delivering vital nutrients, oxygen, and stem cells. These few extra moments can have lasting positive effects on your newborn's health.
Why Choose Delayed Cord Clamping?
Here are some benefits of delayed cord clamping that have been backed by research:
1. Increased Blood Volume and Iron Levels By delaying the clamping of the cord, babies receive about 30% more blood, leading to higher iron levels in their first few months of life. Adequate iron levels are crucial for brain development and healthy growth, especially in the first year of life.
2. More Stem Cells for Healing and Growth Umbilical cord blood is rich in stem cells, which are vital for tissue and organ repair. Delayed cord clamping ensures that your baby receives these regenerative cells, supporting a stronger immune system and overall development.
3. Improved Oxygen Levels With the extra time for blood to transfer from the placenta, your baby benefits from better oxygenation, reducing the risk of breathing difficulties and other issues associated with low oxygen levels at birth.
4. Reducing the Risk of Anemia Infants who have early cord clamping are more prone to iron deficiency anemia, which can affect cognitive and physical development. Delayed cord clamping helps to provide an extra boost of iron, decreasing the likelihood of anemia during infancy.
Is Delayed Cord Clamping Right for You?
Many families choose delayed cord clamping because it offers significant health advantages for their newborns. However, it's important to discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider and doula to ensure that your wishes align with medical recommendations, especially in the case of preterm or cesarean births.
As your dedicated birth doula at Empower-Her Doula Services, we help you navigate these decisions, advocating for your preferences and ensuring that your birth experience is positive and empowering.
Trust Empower-Her Doula Services for Your Birth Experience in Utah County
Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or birth center experience, Empower-Her Doula Services is here to support your choices every step of the way. By offering guidance on topics like delayed cord clamping, we help you make informed decisions for your growing family.
For more detailed information on delayed cord clamping, visit waitforwhite.com, a helpful resource that explains the science behind the practice. Feel free to reach out to us to discuss your birth plan and how we can help make your birthing journey in Utah County everything you envision.
Contact Empower-Her Doula Services today to learn more about how we can support you through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
