Delayed cord clamping: why is it recommended?
Waiting anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes before clamping the cord brings measurable benefits for the newborn.
Delayed cord clamping means waiting at least 30 to 60 seconds — ideally until the cord stops pulsing, often 1 to 5 minutes — before clamping and cutting it, rather than doing so immediately after birth as used to be standard practice.
This delay lets blood still circulating in the placenta — up to a third of the baby's total blood volume — keep transferring to the newborn, which boosts their iron stores and lowers the risk of anemia in the first months of life.
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The World Health Organization and several pediatric societies now recommend delayed clamping for the vast majority of births, including many preterm births, unless a complication requires immediate intervention.
Delayed clamping is generally compatible with immediate skin-to-skin contact and doesn't usually prevent cord blood donation if you're interested — talk to your care team ahead of time about the practices at your place of birth.
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This information is general and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, nurse, pharmacist). Every situation is unique: always check with them before making a decision. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
