Cord cutting with natural 3rd stage

[Fibilou]

I don't want the cord to be cut until the placenta is delivered - is this standard with a physiological 3rd stage or do I need to specify it separately in the birth plan ?

I had asked for the cord to not be cut until the cord had stopped pulsating etc. I specified this, and I am glad I did because after a 35 hour first labour, I totally forgot. I was very grateful to the midwife who stopped the other midwife from cutting the cord too soon.

hth

I'm not sure whether I want a natural 3rd stage or not. I've read up on both and can't seem to work out which is best - can someone post some advantages of both to help me decide please?

Obviously the priority for me is that the little chap is safe and gets the best possible start - this was making me lean towards a natural 3rd stage, but I am a little squeamish and am not sure whether I'll enjoy the cord hanging around for a while before the placenta makes an appearance...

Any advice?

tbh you will be so excited re the baby you will barely notice the cord

the thing about a natural 3rd stage is you can always decide to have the jab at the last minute, but onc eyou are jabbed that is it, iyswim.

Fibilou, stick it int he plan anyway

I have had 2 natural 3rd stages, after 2 lovely home waterbirths.
With the 1st I specifically said to the midwife about not cutting the cord until it had stopped pulsing, I think it was cut before placenta delivered though.
Far from not noticing the cor, both times I was surprised at how short the cord was as holding the baby in a normal breast high cradle cuddling position I was aware of the cord pulling against by lady bits. Having said that, in no way is it 'grim' and doesn't detract in the slightest from the baby on the end of it!
With the second I asked for the cord to be cut as I wanted someone else to be able to hold DD so I could move a bit more! (She had fed and fallen back to sleep before cord was cut though - trying not to sound defensive) Her placenta did take a while and I'm grateful to the lovely MW (Dawn from Witney if anyone from Oxon is reading this!) for not pushing the injection. Don't think she even mentioned it.

LT, the main reason I am opting for the natural 3rd stage is the risk of retained placenta with the syntocinon. I am going to a standalone midwife unit and if I manage to get through the birth without being transferred then I certainly don't want to end up in hospital because of a generally unnecessary intervention.
Obviously if there is a medical need I will have it but I see no reason to meddle.

Other pros are:

1. Allows oxygen transfer to the baby so it has a gentler start to independant breathing
2. Cord blood contains lots of lymphocytes, vitamin K and the T cells that help prevent cancer.
3. Nobody can take the baby away from you to start stupid tests and weighing when it's attached with a cord

The disadvantage with physio 3rd stage is the risk of PPH.

My SIL is a MW and recommended the natural 3rd stage. She is also PG but has to have managed due to a medical condition - she is pretty gutted about that.