With the advent of so much scientific innovation and inventions, everything we are about to do needs some scientific explanation. 
For example, you are having a baby. Well, first congratulations!
Now, you even have to give it a thought and get some research done on whether you would want your baby’s umbilical cord to be cut right away or would you prefer to take some time and take it out after a few minutes.
Yes, actually, that does make a huge difference, even though most wouldn’t give that much of a thought. However, you should!
This is probably why you have clicked on this article.
Because you want to know what would be more beneficial for your baby, you clamp the cord right after they are out, or you take some time.
Let us tell you what you should do. Wait! Why?
Read the excerpt below to know the answer and the benefits.
What Is Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping?
When we clamp the cord within thirty to forty seconds, it is known as immediate clamping. So similarly, when you wait for like five to seven minutes before clamping the cord – it is known as delayed clamping.
Benefits Of Delayed Clamping Of The Cord
Here are some of the common benefits of the delayed clamping of the umbilical cord.
1. It Decreased The Risk Of Anemia
When it comes to anemia, we are talking about less risk for the baby. Breast milk does not have enough iron in them. Thus, the last-minute iron transfer that the baby is receiving through the help of the cord is very crucial.
This is why delayed cord clamping is becoming so normal; they are giving the babies essentials.
2. Great Benefits For Preterm Babies
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious disease that affects some pre-term babies. It is an ailment in the intestine.
Many studies have shown that delayed cord clamping can help babies who are born prematurely. They can help to transfer a good amount of red blood cells and fetal hemoglobin.
3. It Is Safe Even During C Section
C section is already a dangerous territory for some mothers.
However, delayed clamping is a safe procedure when you have C-section. Even after the placenta is removed, holding the umbilical cord for a few minutes can protect the baby from complications that might arise from c-sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
When mothers are learning about all these new inventions which can secure their baby’s future, there are a few questions that could be looming in their heads.
They might not be very keen on hearing something, reading about it in one article, and then jumping the gun.
Thus, we have scoured the internet and brought to you some of the frequently asked questions about delayed cord clamping.
Plus, we have also received some expert answers, which we will be encapsulating underneath.
1. Why Is Delayed Cord Clamping Such A New Thing?
Ans. There was a time when the birth rate increased a lot in hospitals; doctors didn’t wait for long to cut the umbilical cord.
It was also believed that delaying this process might end up letting the mother have more blood than usual. So, as a result, they start cutting the cord early, which is around fifteen to twenty seconds after the baby is born.
2. Does Delayed Cord Clamping Benefit The Mother In Any Way?
Ans. There hasn’t been any research proof about whether mothers can benefit from delayed cord clamping. Most of the studies show that babies benefit more from this method.
3. Do Mothers Bleed More If The Umbilical Cord Is Cut Later?
Ans. No, there hasn’t been any proof that says that mothers bleed more when the umbilical cord is cut later.
There is no risk of internal hemorrhage if the umbilical cord is cut later in comparison to cutting it immediately when the baby is born.
It Is Not Painful!
No! Holding the umbilical cord for a few minutes more is not at all painful, and it doesn’t lead to any blood loss.
So, if you are really thinking about it – great!
You can definitely talk to your doctor and go for it to give your newborn that extra boost.
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