delayed cord clamping and epidrual

[Cyathea]

thanks schmickers!! GREAT info, lovely to have it all in one thread like that!!

It annoys me the way the medical establishment tries to discredit delayed cord clamping...

Bilirubin actually has antioxidant properties in the body, it is a natural part of the birth process, jaundice is very rarely a problem to a baby.

[Aliash]

Interesting thread. Can I clarify? I read the summary of the last research paper that Schmickers recommended. So, cord clamping only needs to be delayed by between 30 seconds and 5 minutes after delivery? Is there an optimum time, or is it best to wait until the cord actually stops pulsating?

I can't recall with my daughter, who was born in hospital. My son was born at home, and I know that cord clamping was delayed but I can't remember by how much.

I guess what I am asking is: Is the point to delay by a specific or approximate amount of time OR is it best to wat until the cord stops pulsating?

Thanks.

[Schmickers]

The studies all examine cord clamping delays between 30 seconds and 5 minutes because it is a topic that has only recently been looked at in terms of research, and 5 minutes is a convenient time for hospital staff. The cynic in me says that longer than 5 minutes and the midwives and obstetricians might start getting bored... :P What you will probably find is that in the coming years, now that it has been established that 5 minutes is safe, they will start looking at research into the safety and benefits letting the cord stop pulsating naturally; although it must be said that the experience of thousands of independent midwives for hundreds of years says that of course letting the cord stop pulsating itself is safe.

[Aliash]

Thanks Schmickers.