Benefits of Not Cutting the Cord Immediately After Birth
Jul 06, 2022
Delayed cord cutting is the most beneficial for pre-term infants.
- less blood transfusions needed
- less chance of brain bleeding
- less chance of necrotizing enterocolitis
- higher brain oxygenation
- may protect the baby from lead poisoning
In the studies, the time the cord was cut was 30 to 45 seconds after birth.
Many hospitals are now delaying cord cutting 30-45 seconds for premature babies but the World Health Organization (WHO) says the time should be at least 1 minute for healthy babies.
Recommended reading: The Science of Mom by Alice Callahan, PhD.