natural 3rd stage impact on core blood donation

[fretfree]

Hi there.

I am planning a natural 3rd stage - or at least until the cord has stopped pulsating (don't want it clamped until then). I am expecting a bit of a fight (in Switzerland and my hospital has a policy of managed 3rd stage, although I do have my own midwife who will accompany me throughout, so hopefully won't be an issue because I can get her buy-in beforehand).

I am also thinking about core blood donation, but not to the detriment of my baby getting the best from the cord before clamping. Does anyone know the procedure for retrieving core blood - can it be done after the cord has stopped pulsating?

Thank you for any advice!

It can't be done after the cord has stop pulsing as then the cord and the placenta are pretty much empty and the baby has all it's blood. Cord blood is the baby's blood really not extra.

This piece explains why cord blood banking 'just because' however altruistic may not be good for the baby (it's another thing if the cord blood is need for a specific reason for a specific person).

It is a very lovely thing to want to do but it might be worth it to do a bit of research into the effects on the baby too.

Thanks so much TruthSweet for your post and the link. I have to admit that I couldn't get my head around the logic of collection of blood after it had finished being transferred to where it is supposed to go (my baby!) so thank you for making that clear.

I have my midwife appointment this Friday, so time to set out exactly what I want re the cord (not until the blood has been transferred). I thought the diagram in your link showing the difference just 4 minutes makes is really illuminating.

Unfortunately I didn't write it just read it (oh to be that eloquent or qualified!). A 'physiological clamping' will help your baby with their iron stores.

To clamp before the cord has stopped pulsing is an intervention, and for me the benefits of the intervention have to out weigh the risks - unfortunately for a lot of HCP the 'delaying' is the intervention.....