Delayed cord clamping

ac1259 · August 2013

Ok someone explain this to me....from what I've read it can cause jaundice because it can dramatically raise a baby's hematocrit level. I had a baby with jaundice and was in the hospital an extra couple days, on the unit I worked on, so I'd really like to avoid that this time. Also, I had read a legitimate academic study about delayed cord clamping and they only really find benefits in micro preemies in preventing brain bleeds. So someone explain to me what the hype is about.

iwalktheline · August 2013

Theres a new study being conducted at an Ivy League school that has some strong evidence linking a low iron count at birth (which happens often when the cord is clamped immediately) and autism.

ac1259 · August 2013

Hmm I'll have to look into that. Sometimes there's so much information out there its hard to know where/what to look for. I'm sure there's tons of studies!

iwalktheline · August 2013

It's not a published study yet (I believe it will be shortly)... But my mom is really good friends with the research coordinator at that lab, so I get the inside scoop

ac1259 · August 2013

Oo! thats really cool! Thanks for letting me know!

iwalktheline · August 2013

Here's an article in the NYtimes about some of the benefits of delayed clamping as well. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/11/health/study-endorses-later-severing-of-umbilical-cord.html?_r=0

tesskerr · August 2013

It couldn't possibly hurt could it? I read that a lot of the babies blood flows into the cord and placenta, so it can push through the birth canal easier, then you let the blood pulse back in.

I'm all for it, does anyone know any bad side effects?

shortstuff15 · August 2013

My first was clamped immediately. We had jaundice struggles (we didn't have to stay longer but she was 170 and 175 is the limit). My second we did delayed clamping. She got slightly yellow but hardly noticeable. I realize this isn't scientific but it didn't cause extra jaundice here.

There are actually lots of benefits but I can't link anything now because I am on my phone.

ashybear · August 2013

Questions like this are why I'm more seriously considering a doula every day. I looked at TB's birth plan template today and was just completely overwhelmed by how little I know. And it feels like every book, friend, bumper (not to mention Dr. Google!) has a different opinion or reason for doing things this way/no, this way! I love reading people's replies and insights, but feel like I'm going to reach a point of decision paralysis because of so much information.

Sorry, not really thread-related and that turned into more of a vent than intended. Just a slightly intimidated FTM over here, nothing to see!

COgirl29 · August 2013

ashybear said:

Questions like this are why I'm more seriously considering a doula every day. I looked at TB's birth plan template today and was just completely overwhelmed by how little I know. And it feels like every book, friend, bumper (not to mention Dr. Google!) has a different opinion or reason for doing things this way/no, this way! I love reading people's replies and insights, but feel like I'm going to reach a point of decision paralysis because of so much information. Sorry, not really thread-related and that turned into more of a vent than intended. Just a slightly intimidated FTM over here, nothing to see!

I'm overwhelmed right there with ya!!!

AnnikaD20 · August 2013

There is evidence, albeit somewhat inconsistent, that delayed cord clamping increases the risk of jaundice. Mild jaundice is pretty common, more severe jaundice is cause for concern and can have complications. Fortunately, modern medicine is really good at treating jaundice, it just means extra hospital time for your LO. Or sometimes they send you home with a portable baby tanning bed contraption to do bili light treatment at home.

There is pretty compelling evidence that delayed cord clamping reduces the risk of anemia and iron deficiency. Because humans process iron so inefficiently, it can take months for your LO to rebuild iron stores. This is especially a problem in parts of the world with less access to iron rich foods.

Right now, it seems like the medical community is more frequently recommending delaying cord clamping for at least a minute, because the benefits seem to outweigh the risks. My conclusion, after lots of research, is that there are small risks either way, and no big risks either way, and it probably doesn't matter all that much.

KristaBelieve · August 2013

Thanks for the article. I'd be interested in hearing more about the benefits of delaying with a c-section. The autism link is something I really want to research too, if you hear when it does come out will you let us know @iwalktheline

ashleywiz · August 2013

KristaBelieve said:

Thanks for the article. I'd be interested in hearing more about the benefits of delaying with a c-section. The autism link is something I really want to research too, if you hear when it does come out will you let us know @iwalktheline

I second that! Id love a real study to go by. I haven't read anything negative aside from jaundice risk (and that's treatable) -- I've only read the benefits on both mommy and baby side of everything, especially iron related.

Morenajuliet · August 2013

Thanks for this post, it's something I haven't read/talked with friends much about.

lmills730 · August 2013

Thanks all for the insight, I've been wondering about this as well.

jaclynwas17 · August 2013

I originally wanted to look into cord blood banking, but when one mamma mentioned delayed clamping I read 6-7 different medical journal articles. From what I could find, it seemed one study cited increased jaundice risk if the baby was born early, but all the other studies said increased jaundice risk is more of a rumor and the risk is so negligible most medical professionals don't see it as a risk. In a completely different path, think about all the wild animals that give birth every day-they aren't clamping the cord immediately...

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