Did you know that at the time of birth, your baby only has about 66% of their total blood supply? 1-5 minutes later, when the umbilical cord finally stops pulsating, they have nearly 100% of their blood supply.
Your baby’s blood is full of oxygen, iron, red blood cells, white blood cells and stem cells. Clamping the cord straight away or too early therefore directly impacts how well your baby thrives, not only in the short-term, but in the longer-term too.
The first minute after your baby is born is called the GOLDEN MINUTE. The amount of oxygen your baby gets in this minute is vitally important for their long-term health. Sadly, current statistics suggest 1 out of 10 babies around get sub-optimal oxygen in this first minute. Worldwide this is the number one cause of loss of health in childhood.
Leaving the cord alone until it stops pulsating gives your baby lots of OXYGEN RIGH BLOOD. Your baby’s blood also has lots of Iron. Iron helps your baby produce red blood cells and also helps to bring oxygen to your baby’s brain and other organs. Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when a child does not have sufficient iron to produce enough red blood cells. This can result in exhaustion, poor memory, poor Gross Motor development and lower immunity.
Allowing the cord to finish pulsating gives your baby enough iron to last them for months. It also nearly eliminates iron deficiency.
In addition, your baby’s blood is packed with red blood cells, white blood cells, and stem cells. Babies who get these things right after birth experience LIFE LONG BENEFITS
Therefore, when formulating your birth plan make sure you communicate this wish to your birthing team. Delayed cord clamping should now be policy in all UK hospitals but I regularly hear from women who suggest otherwise. Every baby deserves their full blood supply. Make sure your baby gets yours.
