When it comes to childbirth, one topic that’s sparked plenty of discussions is whether or not to delay cutting the umbilical cord. Recent research has unveiled some compelling reasons to consider waiting a little longer before snipping that cord. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that babies whose cords were cut more than three minutes after birth displayed slightly better fine motor skills and social abilities compared to those whose cords were cut within 10 seconds.
Dr. Emily Carter, a neonatologist, explains to NPR that there’s growing evidence that all infants, regardless of being born early or at term, benefit from extra blood from the placenta at birth. This extra blood can increase iron levels, which is crucial for brain development during those early months.
Previous research from The Cochrane Database of Systematic Review highlighted that waiting even just one minute to clamp the cord significantly boosts a baby’s iron stores and hemoglobin levels, without posing any risks to the mother. Newborns who experienced delayed clamping had higher hemoglobin levels 24 to 48 hours after birth and were less likely to be iron-deficient by the time they hit three to six months old. They also tended to have a higher average birth weight since they received more blood from their moms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends waiting one to three minutes before clamping the cord, as this approach improves iron levels in infants. However, they do caution that delayed clamping can sometimes lead to jaundice, which is related to liver function and an excess loss of red blood cells. Meanwhile, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) remains skeptical, urging for more research before changing the current practice of immediate cord cutting.
As Dr. Carter puts it, “As evidence of the safety and benefits of delayed cord clamping continues to grow, it may become a standard practice.” So, would you consider waiting to cut your baby’s cord?
For more insights on parenting and pregnancy, check out this post on our blog. And if you’re exploring at-home insemination options, consider visiting Make a Mom, the leading provider in this field. For a comprehensive guide on various fertility treatments, WebMD is an excellent resource.
In summary, delaying cord clamping may offer significant long-term benefits for your baby’s health, from improved iron levels to better developmental outcomes, making it a worthy consideration for new parents.
Leave a Reply