If you’re planning your birth, you might have heard the term “Delayed Cord Clamping” (DCC). It sounds technical, but it’s actually a very natural way to help your baby transition from life inside the womb to the outside world.
What exactly is Delayed Cord Clamping? Normally, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut within seconds of birth. With DCC, your healthcare provider waits—usually between 60 seconds and several minutes—before clamping the cord. This allows the “extra” blood remaining in the placenta to flow into your baby.
Is it better for my baby? Yes! Think of that extra blood as your baby’s first natural supplement full of nutrients. Research shows that babies who have DCC have:
- Higher Iron Levels: They start life with more iron, which is vital for brain development and preventing anemia in the first year.
- A Smoother Transition: It helps their lungs and heart adjust to breathing air more gently.
- More Stem Cells: These are the building blocks that help the body repair and grow.
Will this interfere with Skin-to-Skin time? Not at all! In most cases, your baby can be placed right on your chest while the cord is still attached. You can cuddle and bond while the placenta finishes its job.
Is there a risk of more bleeding for me? Evidence shows that waiting to clamp the cord does not increase the mother’s risk of heavy bleeding called postpartum hemorrhage. It is safe for both of you.
Can we do this during a C-section? Yes. Unless there is an emergency, many surgeons now routinely perform delayed cord clamping during Cesarean births.
What about jaundice? Because baby is getting more red blood cells, there is a slightly higher chance they may look a little yellow or jaundice in the first few days. Your pediatric team will monitor this, and it is usually easily treated with extra feedings or light therapy if needed.
When might delayed cord clamping not be possible?
While DCC is the goal, your care provider team’s priority is safety. They may clamp the cord quickly if:
- The baby needs immediate help breathing or medical equipment that can’t reach the bed.
- There is a problem with the placenta such as it starting to detach too early.
- The mother is experiencing an emergency that requires immediate intervention.
- Milking the Cord: If immediate resuscitation is required and DCC is not possible, “cord milking” (manually pushing blood toward the infant) may be considered, though evidence is strongest for DCC.
How to Include Delayed Cord Clamping in Your Birth Plan
You don’t need a complex birth plan to make this happen. Here are three simple steps:
1. Mention it early: Tell your Midwife or doctor at your next prenatal visit.
2. Add it to your plan: Use a simple sentence like: “I would like to delay cord clamping until it is done pulsating if the baby and I are stable.”
3. Remind the team: If you are admitted to the hospital, mention it to your labor nurse. Make sure your birth team is aware of your goals.