Delayed Cord Clamping – Save Your Baby’s Blood

We all know that cord blood saves lives, and most of us are familiar with the importance of donating blood when and if we can. Up until this pregnancy I had never heard of people encapsulating and eating their placenta in smoothies. I can be some what of a hippie but that’s a line I don’t think I can cross. Another preference I had briefly heard of was delayed cord clamping. I stumbled upon an infographic and my mind was opened wide.

Most people know all about cord blood banking. The placenta and umbilical cord contain blood that is rich with stem cells, which you can choose to save in a bank in hopes of using in the future at a costly price or you can donate it to those in need. Another preference I had briefly heard of but never looked into was delayed cord clamping. I stumbled upon an infographic and my mind was opened wide.

After doing some research I found that pediatric guidelines blood draws in infants should not exceed 5% of the total blood volume in a 24 hour period. So this means that an 8lbs newborn has a blood volume of roughly 275ml – so the maximum blood draw would be 15ml. The collection bag for cord blood holds 215ml. The minimum amount of blood acceptable for collection is 45mls, and the maximum is 215ml. A lot math I know but you can see the problem there.
Usually clamping is done within seconds of the baby being born but waiting 1-3 minutes which isn’t that long honestly, gives your baby up to a third of their blood volume back instead of it being wasted. So for me, MIND BLOWN. To me it was no question what I wanted to do for Baby M but then I started thinking about the 50/50 chance that there was a good possibility I could have another c-section and I was disappointed thinking that delayed clamping couldn’t be an option for me. After I took the time to let my blonde moment pass I realized that the placenta is pulled out the same way the baby is so delayed clamping wouldn’t be a problem at all! Yes, the placenta and cord will need to be kept warm but you can always raise it to help the transfer move a little quicker as well.

Here is a couple photos for visual aid and some informational videos I found interesting.