During pregnancy the placenta performs the role of lungs, kidneys, gut, skin and liver for the developing baby and so very little blood flow is sent to these organs until the baby takes its first breath.
Once the baby takes its first breath, the entire circulatory system of the baby undergoes enormous changes. Within minutes the blood is diverted away from the umbilical cord and placenta and sent to the baby’s vital organs. The umbilical cord at this stage acts as a reservoir of blood which supplies additional blood needed for full perfusion of the lungs, brain and organ systems, which is called placental transfusion.
Once the transfer is complete the umbilical cord will stop pulsating and turn pale in colour, indicating that it is now safe to clamp the cord.
Cord clamping
The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics advise against early umbilical cord clamping. The first few minutes after birth is a very vulnerable period for both mother and baby. Timing the clamping of the umbilical cord correctly can have great benefit to the baby’s health.
The World Health Organization states that the optimal time to clamp the umbilical cord for all infants regardless of gestational age or fetal weight is when the circulation in the cord has ceased, and the cord is flat and pulseless. This is approximately 3 minutes or more after birth.
According to the WHO, clamping the umbilical cord immediately (within the first 10 to 15 seconds after delivery) prevents the newborn from receiving adequate blood volume and consequently sufficient iron stores. Waiting to clamp the cord may provide sufficient iron reserves for the first six to eight months of life.
Many clinical studies have found that delaying cord clamping elevates blood volume and haemoglobin and prevents anaemia in infants. It also appears that the transfer of blood from the cord to the baby is like a natural stem cell transplant with cord blood containing various valuable stem cells.
Your right to choose
If you want to make sure that the clamping of your baby’s umbilical cord is delayed, make sure you mention this to your doctor and have it part of the birth plan.
What is a Lotus Birth?
Lotus birth is the practice or ritual of leaving the umbilical cord uncut which leaves the baby attached to the placenta until the cord naturally separates at the umbilicus. This usually takes three to ten days after the baby is born. It is important to ensure that the placenta is properly attended to on a regular basis, making sure it is always dry and placed in a protective bag. Coating the placenta in salt will also prevent it from becoming malodorous as it dries up. Engaging in the Lotus Birth ritual is said to allow a spiritual progression from the womb to the outside world.
Dr Sarah J Buckley: Lotus Birth - A Ritual For Our Times
References available on request