Cord Cutting - delayed/no?

Once the cord stops pulsating, nothing more is getting to the infant, so it is then that it should be cut.

That's what "delayed" cord cutting means--waiting until it stops pulsating.

We did delayed cutting with DS and will with this one, too. There's also some indication that it may help with iron stores, IIRC. I sort of figure it's the baby's blood, so s/he should get what there is. Also, for neonates who experienced any loss of O2, they get that much extra from the placenta while they're on supplemental. Seems like a win-win to me. I had a dream that I had a cord prolapse and was shrieking at the doc, "Don't cut the cord! Don't cut it!" Disturbing.

Every other mammal waits, so there must be a reason (besides the fact that they don't have clamps and scissors :wink2:).

I totally agree with delaying til pulsation stops. But our doctors do not, so we clamp and cut immediately where I work. It's not my choice.

I always wait til it stops pulsating unless baby has a problem.

I totally agree with delaying til pulsation stops. But our doctors do not, so we clamp and cut immediately where I work. It's not my choice.

This is what I figured happened in the hospital unfortunately. I was hoping it was just my paranoia again. :) I had my last two as water births in non-conventional settings and we just kinda got up and out and cut the cord as soon as baby was checked out so I guess it was a couple of minutes, but definitely not 20. Time was kind of out of context at the time.

Those of you who disagree with the quick cut scenario, do you ever want to go on to get your CNM in order to do things in a less rushed/more holistic/evidence based way or do you feel like you would just be one more cog in the wheel, unable to make these kinds of changes?

scorpiostudent, I wanted to delay mine based in info in our Bradley classes but our docs cut pretty much right away. I guess in the grand scheme of things it was no big deal. After having my 1st DS, I became interested in nursing school so I am now starting to apply. I would REALLY prefer to work in a birth center to assist moms who would like to have unmedicated deliveries. If/when we have a 3rd, I hope I can convince DH to go through a birth center. My hospital births were great and my OB was very supportive of my decisions and the nurses were GREAT in helping me through, but I am REALLY wanting a water-brith, too!

I definitely am planning on going on to grad school to become a midwife--it's why I personally became a nurse! I hope to practice in a freestanding birth center setting where medicalized, non-evidence based influences and interventions won't invade mom and baby's personal birthing experience.