Did you know?

Approximately one-third of a baby’s total blood volume is in the placenta and/or umbilical cord at birth. Immediately clamping the cord means lower iron and stem cell levels in baby, too. Babies whose cords are left intact for two to three minutes also appear to have better cardiopulmonary functioning. “Delayed cord clamping promotes a healthy neonatal cardiopulmonary transition, prevents iron deficiency at a critical time in brain development, provides the newborn with a rich supply of stem cells, and helps sick neonates achieve better outcomes—all with little apparent risk to mother or baby. The evidence of benefit from DCC is so compelling that the burden of proof must now lie with those who wish to continue the practice of immediate clamping, rather than with those who prefer—as nature intended—to wait.” Mark Sloan, M.D.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends “late” cord clamping - a delay of one to three minutes or until the cord has ceased pulsating- for all births, unless the baby needs resuscitation. This recommendation applies to babies born both vaginally and via cesarean.