What are you doing with your cord blood?

vbchick0788 · August 2014

I'm not sure if this has been discussed. Went back about 7 pages and didn't see anything so here we go....

Cord blood banking seems super expensive. Not sure how many people actually do it. One of my co-workers said that she wanted to donate hers and there wasn't any place close to us that does that either. So, who has some insight into late clamping? It seems like that is going to be the way to go, if possible and there aren't any complications. What are you ladies doing and what are your thoughts?

crizz13 · August 2014

There have been a few threads on cord blood, banking, delayed clamping, etc.

Here you go!
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12314296/cord-blood

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/comment/81610382#Comment_81610382

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12397077/cord-blood-banking

missnacholover · August 2014

Drinking it. I'm a vampire.

krgriffin26 · August 2014

Probably delayed clamping for us too.

ejpetey · August 2014

Thanks for the links to the other threads- I hadn't even thought about this yet. I feel like every day I learn about a new decision I have to make!

ETA: I'd like to do more reading but I'm definitely going to ask my OB about delayed clamping next time I'm there. If there's any left over I'd donate it but highly doubt I'll go the private banking route.

hellosweety18 · August 2014

Speaking of birthing left overs, anyone going the placenta teddy bear route? :>

crizz13 · August 2014

bethas said:

lissydee said:

Giving it to baby. We don't cut the cord til the placenta is out.

Out of genuine curiosity, is that "we" as in you and DH, or "we" as in it's your hospital's practice? I meant to ask this on my tour last night and forgot. I will definitely ask my OB, but wondered about your situation.

I know this wasn't directed at me, but...
Our hospital's policy is that all preemies get delayed clamping.

Typically 90 seconds goes by when doing a c-section anyway (the amount of time you delay when doing delayed clamping).

For a regular vaginal birth, the decision is up to the parents.

Maelara · August 2014

I will be doing delayed cord clamping as long as it's possible.

vbchick0788 · August 2014

@missnacholover best answer ever. Lol

So I have been reading most of the day on the delayed cutting. I really wish we could donate but since that isnt an option I think that's what we are going to do. So now tell me this....how many of you have a written out birth plan with that in it? I didnt even know that birth plans being written out existed. I just assumed you briefly discuss it before hand and go with the flow. Lol Guess I have a lot to learn before 11/3.

ejpetey · August 2014

Not to change the subject but I also just learned about placenta encapsulation. My first instinct is to be pretty grossed out, but apparently there are health benefits...???

Anyone tried it?

abbyful · August 2014

Delayed clamping. Did it for DS, will do it for this baby too.

@vbchick0788‌ - I'll have a written birth plan like I did with DS. The last thing I'll be thinking about during L&D is reminding the doctor and nurses about stuff like that. And you might start labor with different nurses than are there for the actual delivery.

wallygirl · August 2014

Delayed cord clamping

runningmama14 · August 2014

We aren't banking cord blood due to cost/benefit ratio. It's not worth it to us, although I have no problem with people wanting to bank. We aren't able to donate because none of our area hospitals participate. We will be requesting delayed cord clamping until the cord stops pulsing and goes white, no matter how long that takes.

That being said, I see lots of comments on here about choosing between delayed clamping and banking, but I've also seen lots of sources that say you usually can do both, if the person collecting the cord blood knows what they are doing.

This website goes over it some:

https://truthaboutdelayclampingandcordbloodcollection.webs.com/

It was the most illustrative one I found with my brief research, but there were tons of pages with the same info. So if you are a momma that wants to do both, it's worth looking into IMO.

runningmama14 · August 2014

ejpetey said:

Not to change the subject but I also just learned about placenta encapsulation. My first instinct is to be pretty grossed out, but apparently there are health benefits...???
Anyone tried it?

I have a friend that did it. She had severe PPD with her first two kiddos and chose to do it based on the reported benefits in that department. She swore by it. She had minimal PPd issues with number 3 and really felt there was a distinct, detectable difference when she took them.

I won't be doing mine, but I do find it to be interesting.

Singingmama10 · August 2014

ejpetey said:

Not to change the subject but I also just learned about placenta encapsulation. My first instinct is to be pretty grossed out, but apparently there are health benefits...???
Anyone tried it?

A friend of mine did placenta encapsulation. Apparently it was just put into pill form.. and I guess it helps with milk supply and also ppd. She didn't end up taking them all. She had pretty good milk supply and hasn't had any postpartum issues. So either the pills worked so well she didn't even need them all (YAY) OR she didn't need them in the first place. Who knows

rox825 · August 2014

I'm going to request delayed clamping if possible

krgriffin26 · August 2014

Kllopez1221 said:

We are doing delayed cord clamping. And the Placenta Teddy bear.

???? (lost)

krgriffin26 · August 2014

Kllopez1221 said:

BrookeMS18 said:

Speaking of birthing left overs, anyone going the placenta teddy bear route? :>

krgriffin26 said:

Kllopez1221 said:

We are doing delayed cord clamping. And the Placenta Teddy bear.

???? (lost)

See Above

Oh no. I take back my question. That is awful! Lol

runningmama14 · August 2014

To those not doing delayed cord clamping, do you mind sharing why? I'm not looking for a debate or fight, just curious, since I haven't really seen many cons to it.

Lilwatz · August 2014

runningmama14 said:
To those not doing delayed cord clamping, do you mind sharing why? I'm not looking for a debate or fight, just curious, since I haven't really seen many cons to it.

I haven't decided, but i think I'm in the do whatever the doctors want to do camp. If it's that medically beneficial, hospitals will make it standard.

runningmama14 · August 2014

Lilwatz said:

To those not doing delayed cord clamping, do you mind sharing why? I'm not looking for a debate or fight, just curious, since I haven't really seen many cons to it.
I haven't decided, but i think I'm in the do whatever the doctors want to do camp. If it's that medically beneficial, hospitals will make it standard.

I know I said I wasn't looking for a debate, and I'm really not, but honestly, I think that's a pretty incorrect statement, in general, not specific to L&D. I'm all for picking a doctor you trust and going with their recs, but hospital policy and practices tend to be very slow to change.

PandaCon · August 2014

I will be talking with my OB next week about this and the rest of my birth plan. My hope is to delay as long as possible. Would like to wait until the cord is white. I feel like it is the babies blood, they should get it back right?

A s far as plecenta encapsulation I am still up in the air about it. A friend of mine swears by it for her healing and PPD. FYI they typically dehydrate it and grind it up before they put it in capsules.

If I don't encapsulate them, I am totes doing a placenta teddy bear. LO can snuggle with it.

Lilwatz · August 2014

runningmama14 said:

Lilwatz said:

To those not doing delayed cord clamping, do you mind sharing why? I'm not looking for a debate or fight, just curious, since I haven't really seen many cons to it.
I haven't decided, but i think I'm in the do whatever the doctors want to do camp. If it's that medically beneficial, hospitals will make it standard.

I know I said I wasn't looking for a debate, and I'm really not, but honestly, I think that's a pretty incorrect statement, in general, not specific to L&D. I'm all for picking a doctor you trust and going with their recs, but hospital policy and practices tend to be very slow to change.

---quote box fail---

I just don't agree. If my baby were at risk, or it was SO INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL, the doctor would do it or suggest it. If it's beneficial, but new, I'm ok with waiting for more research. My choice.

It seems to me (without trying to be inflammatory, I promise!) that only with childbirth do people second guess their doctors and decide what's medically best. I don't tell my hematologist how to manage my blood clotting disorder. I don't tell my endocrinologist how to handle my hashimoto's disease. I didn't tell the surgeon how to remove my gall bladder.

Sure, some things are personal preference, but in general if I can't trust my doctor to do the best s/he can for me and my tiny baby, I should find one I do.

runningmama14 · August 2014

Econosaurus said:

runningmama14 said:
To those not doing delayed cord clamping, do you mind sharing why? I'm not looking for a debate or fight, just curious, since I haven't really seen many cons to it.
According to my peoples there is no evidence of improved outcomes with delayed clamping. It sounds like a good thing but they told me there isn't any actual proven effect/outcome so why bother.

Fair enough. My personality tends to be more towards if there is no evidence that it's harmful, why not bother? But teto!

lisaren · August 2014

I've done it with past baby, I don't understand why people don't do it??? There's no harm to mother or child.
Allow for baby to go to breast, let that cord flow!!!! Seems very natural to me!

Maelara · August 2014

Lilwatz said:

Lilwatz said:

To those not doing delayed cord clamping, do you mind sharing why? I'm not looking for a debate or fight, just curious, since I haven't really seen many cons to it.
I haven't decided, but i think I'm in the do whatever the doctors want to do camp. If it's that medically beneficial, hospitals will make it standard.

I know I said I wasn't looking for a debate, and I'm really not, but honestly, I think that's a pretty incorrect statement, in general, not specific to L&D. I'm all for picking a doctor you trust and going with their recs, but hospital policy and practices tend to be very slow to change.
---quote box fail--- I just don't agree. If my baby were at risk, or it was SO INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL, the doctor would do it or suggest it. If it's beneficial, but new, I'm ok with waiting for more research. My choice. It seems to me (without trying to be inflammatory, I promise!) that only with childbirth do people second guess their doctors and decide what's medically best. I don't tell my hematologist how to manage my blood clotting disorder. I don't tell my endocrinologist how to handle my hashimoto's disease. I didn't tell the surgeon how to remove my gall bladder. Sure, some things are personal preference, but in general if I can't trust my doctor to do the best s/he can for me and my tiny baby, I should find one I do.

It is your choice, nobody said it wasn't. Humans have been giving birth for far longer than they have been doing gallbladder surgeries. Birth is one of those things were we CAN have an opinion and an options. If at the end of the day there are complications and I can't do delayed cord clamping, I'm not going to cry over it. I'll be happy they did everything they could to make sure my baby is safe and healthy. But until then I'm going to do what I feel is right after I've done the research from reputable sources and talked to my doctor about it.

PandaCon · August 2014

Lilwatz said:

Lilwatz said:

To those not doing delayed cord clamping, do you mind sharing why? I'm not looking for a debate or fight, just curious, since I haven't really seen many cons to it.
I haven't decided, but i think I'm in the do whatever the doctors want to do camp. If it's that medically beneficial, hospitals will make it standard.

I know I said I wasn't looking for a debate, and I'm really not, but honestly, I think that's a pretty incorrect statement, in general, not specific to L&D. I'm all for picking a doctor you trust and going with their recs, but hospital policy and practices tend to be very slow to change.
---quote box fail--- I just don't agree. If my baby were at risk, or it was SO INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL, the doctor would do it or suggest it. If it's beneficial, but new, I'm ok with waiting for more research. My choice. It seems to me (without trying to be inflammatory, I promise!) that only with childbirth do people second guess their doctors and decide what's medically best. I don't tell my hematologist how to manage my blood clotting disorder. I don't tell my endocrinologist how to handle my hashimoto's disease. I didn't tell the surgeon how to remove my gall bladder. Sure, some things are personal preference, but in general if I can't trust my doctor to do the best s/he can for me and my tiny baby, I should find one I do.

For me (and not flaming either) birth is less medical than any of the things you mentioned so I feel like there more room for differing opinions and things to decide on.

Maelara · August 2014

PandaCon said:

Lilwatz said:

Lilwatz said:

To those not doing delayed cord clamping, do you mind sharing why? I'm not looking for a debate or fight, just curious, since I haven't really seen many cons to it.
I haven't decided, but i think I'm in the do whatever the doctors want to do camp. If it's that medically beneficial, hospitals will make it standard.

I know I said I wasn't looking for a debate, and I'm really not, but honestly, I think that's a pretty incorrect statement, in general, not specific to L&D. I'm all for picking a doctor you trust and going with their recs, but hospital policy and practices tend to be very slow to change.
---quote box fail--- I just don't agree. If my baby were at risk, or it was SO INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL, the doctor would do it or suggest it. If it's beneficial, but new, I'm ok with waiting for more research. My choice. It seems to me (without trying to be inflammatory, I promise!) that only with childbirth do people second guess their doctors and decide what's medically best. I don't tell my hematologist how to manage my blood clotting disorder. I don't tell my endocrinologist how to handle my hashimoto's disease. I didn't tell the surgeon how to remove my gall bladder. Sure, some things are personal preference, but in general if I can't trust my doctor to do the best s/he can for me and my tiny baby, I should find one I do.

For me (and not flaming either) birth is less medical than any of the things you mentioned so I feel like there more room for differing opinions and things to decide on.

This is exactly what I was trying so say, you just said it more gracefully!

runningmama14 · August 2014

Lilwatz said:

runningmama14 said:

Lilwatz said:

To those not doing delayed cord clamping, do you mind sharing why? I'm not looking for a debate or fight, just curious, since I haven't really seen many cons to it.
I haven't decided, but i think I'm in the do whatever the doctors want to do camp. If it's that medically beneficial, hospitals will make it standard.

I know I said I wasn't looking for a debate, and I'm really not, but honestly, I think that's a pretty incorrect statement, in general, not specific to L&D. I'm all for picking a doctor you trust and going with their recs, but hospital policy and practices tend to be very slow to change.

---quote box fail---

I just don't agree. If my baby were at risk, or it was SO INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL, the doctor would do it or suggest it. If it's beneficial, but new, I'm ok with waiting for more research. My choice.

It seems to me (without trying to be inflammatory, I promise!) that only with childbirth do people second guess their doctors and decide what's medically best. I don't tell my hematologist how to manage my blood clotting disorder. I don't tell my endocrinologist how to handle my hashimoto's disease. I didn't tell the surgeon how to remove my gall bladder.

Sure, some things are personal preference, but in general if I can't trust my doctor to do the best s/he can for me and my tiny baby, I should find one I do.

I don't think any of my physicians would agree that birth is the only thing I question my doctors about. Maybe I'm a PITA patient, but I routinely ask about alternatives for my care. Often times I end up following my doctor's advice, but I sure don't take their word as infallible.

And as others pointed out, birth has been around far longer than modern medicine. I don't view it as a medical condition.

erinwithtwins · August 2014

@runningmama14

@Lilwatz

Not trying to get in the debate. Do what you want. Just an FYI. But at UCLA medical center with one of the top NICUs in the country. Delayed clamping is the norm for all babies. Not just preemies. They tell you on the tour that's what they do as standard practice now. So it seems that there are strides being made and a lot of drs believing in it.
My dr and I spoke about cord blood banking last week and she said that it's possible to do both banking and delayed clamping. There's a possibility it won't have enough for both but most times it works out.

JustJainey · August 2014

From an evolutionary point of view, it just seems like delaying the cord clamping is likely how things were intended. I mean, the woman wouldn't have been able to get around to detaching the placenta until she had passed it from her body. It also seems plausible that the act of expelling the placenta would have forced the blood from the placenta back into the baby. These are all just my extrapolations and are not based upon any scientific or other readings. But I do believe that there must be good reasons for why the body performs the way it does. Doctors are guides to the understanding of the processes, but they didn't invent the whole system.

runningmama14 · August 2014

FhSTAR81 said:
Haven't read much of this post yet but does it apply differently for c-section or no?

I would guess that in theory, no there shouldn't be a difference. However, I wouldn't be surprised if some hospitals have policies that eliminate your choices after a section.

MalachiteDrake · August 2014

I brought this up with my OB when debating cord banking or not. He's a nice mix of old school and new research and said that he was in favor of delayed clamping from the research he'd seen come out over the past few years. He said that they'd put the baby on my chest and he'd do any stiching or other checks he needed to do, and then they'd clamp the cord - probably around two minutes after the birth and with more than enough time for the blood to flow into the baby.

I did decide against cord banking or donation just because it would be a major PITA to coordinate at the hospital I'm going to be at since they're not set up for any of it.

Lilwatz · August 2014

erinwithtwins said:
@runningmama14

@Lilwatz

Not trying to get in the debate. Do what you want. Just an FYI. But at UCLA medical center with one of the top NICUs in the country. Delayed clamping is the norm for all babies. Not just preemies. They tell you on the tour that's what they do as standard practice now. So it seems that there are strides being made and a lot of drs believing in it.
My dr and I spoke about cord blood banking last week and she said that it's possible to do both banking and delayed clamping. There's a possibility it won't have enough for both but most times it works out.

I've actually heard that too. I never said I think it's bad or wrong. I'm fine with it. But if it's not standard practice for my doctor if am not going to ask him to change, that's all.

I actually think it will be standard practice soon enough. Do I think I'm harming my baby by not doing it? Nope. My objectives in that hospital are healthy baby and healthy me. And I trust that these goals are aligned with the goals of my doctor.

lizgrace03 · August 2014

One more thing to add to my developing birth plan. I swear, if it weren't for this board I would be so clueless!

mrsodonnell12 · August 2014

100% doing delayed clamping.... I can't wrap my head around why you wouldnt tbh.

minibean16 · August 2014

That image of the placenta teddy bear actually made me out my cupcake down. Thanks.

I haven't spoken to my doctor yet, but I would like to delay the clamping.

erinwithtwins · August 2014

I'm most likely getting a C section with high risk twins and I'm going to attempt both. Delayed clamping and then hopefully there's enough left to bank. I do live in Los Angeles though where it's really easy and standard to do.

Lilwatz · August 2014

mrsodonnell12 said:
100% doing delayed clamping.... I can't wrap my head around why you wouldnt tbh.

So I clearly have an unpopular opinion. Which is fine by me.

. But just to explain why I choose to go with the doctor on this (and most things birth related).

I believe birthing is incredibly medical. I think it comes down to risk tolerance. Mine is incredibly low when it comes to my and my baby's health. (Yes, I high risk, but I think my opinion would be the same regardless). I have too many friends/family who were low risk, on track, everything great then something happened during birth that could have harmed them or the baby had the doctor not done what s/he was trained to do to help them.

In light of that, I want my doctor to be working through his or her process in a routine matter. I don't want them adjusting their instincts and reflexes to meet a requirement that I place that is not, in my opinion, worth the risk.

Again, this just explains my position. Not saying anyone is wrong for requesting delayed clamping. It sounds beneficial and I will be glad if my doctor does it. Again though, it's not a pressing enough issue to complicate what I see as a potential dangerous situation.

Maelara · August 2014

Lilwatz said:

100% doing delayed clamping.... I can't wrap my head around why you wouldnt tbh.
So I clearly have an unpopular opinion. Which is fine by me. . But just to explain why I choose to go with the doctor on this (and most things birth related). I believe birthing is incredibly medical. I think it comes down to risk tolerance. Mine is incredibly low when it comes to my and my baby's health. (Yes, I high risk, but I think my opinion would be the same regardless). I have too many friends/family who were low risk, on track, everything great then something happened during birth that could have harmed them or the baby had the doctor not done what s/he was trained to do to help them. In light of that, I want my doctor to be working through his or her process in a routine matter. I don't want them adjusting their instincts and reflexes to meet a requirement that I place that is not, in my opinion, worth the risk. Again, this just explains my position. Not saying anyone is wrong for requesting delayed clamping. It sounds beneficial and I will be glad if my doctor does it. Again though, it's not a pressing enough issue to complicate what I see as a potential dangerous situation.

I know you were just trying to explain your thought process and I don't want to diminish your feelings. However, my doctor doing everything they can if something goes wrong has nothing to do with cord clamping. The simple fact is that if there is complications they do not do cord clamping. Cord clamping only happens when everything goes well with the birth. To me, your justification does not equal not doing the cord clamping. I could care less if you did it, it's 100% your choice and I personally didn't do it with my first daughter (I wasn't pushy enough) and she is just fine but your reasoning seriously makes no sense to me! I say that not rudely or anything I just honestly can't wrap my head around your reasoning. It's the doctors JOB to do everything they can when something bad happens, all other factors go out the window. I trust my doctor 100% and know she has my best interest at heart, she truly does but there are things I want to make this experience better for me and for my new daughter. Do your own research and don't just leave everything up to your doctor. I did that last time and really regret it. I wish I was pushier and got what I wanted. Just some advice from a STM

at least I'm not saying 'just you wait'

Lilwatz · August 2014

Ha ha ha! Thanks for the not "just you wait".

I completely see why it doesn't make sense to you, but it still does to me. I don't want to have a list of me-specific things to worry about. I want them to do what they know. Like I said, I did research and it is not a big enough issue for me to push. I will push if I come across issues that I think are big enough deals for me to.

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