When to cut umbilical cord?

[Saku]

I am 38+ with my first DS and waiting for my due date eagerly.. but while on internet I found a very surprising information that "The timing of cutting umbilical cord can effect your baby's future health". Till now I never cared or say thought about that.. but it seems it can distress baby or can cause anaemia in coming months to baby or make baby suffocated or can turn them blue immediate after delivery as shortage of oxygen.

Some reports say it should be cut after 3 mins. ; some say after 5 mins. some say until it stops pulsating ; and some say until placenta is delivered that means after 30 mins..

I asked midwife and she said "Is it?" shouldn't matter at all but I was not satisfied by the answer. I am concerned. Doctors make hassle as they have to wind up everything as soon as possible..

Is any one has some experience or knowing logical facts about it?
and if......... then when you choose it to be cut?

I though it was after you'd delivered the thing and the cord wasn't pulsating. I'm sure the medical staff know what they are doing!

WHO guidance is now to wait 1-3 minutes before cutting, I believe

I put in my birth plan to do it when the cord stopped pulsating but my placenta was thrown out a minute after giving birth so they clamped it then!

I think its when the cord stops pulsing/goes white. Something like 1/3 of your babies blood is in the placenta/cord and early clamping denies your baby this blood.

I think it also depends on if you are having cells taken from the cord for storage.

Ohh.. there are two questions now... when to clamp and when to cut? as baby's blood goes back and forth to placenta ..

As you said the blood flow is the important thing and as far as I know they will always clamp first. So clamp when blood stops flowing (cord white no pulsing) after that when you cut really doesn't matter as far as I know.

Have a google, there's lots about the benefits to your baby. Our trust does it automatically now unless requested not to.

Yes, I also had DD's cord cut after it stopped pulsating. It does make a huge difference and cutting the cord immediately is very outdated. It be concerned if the midwife didn't know this.

Put it in your birth plan and also make sure you tell them your wishes once baby is out.

I'm planning delayed clamping!!!! It's best for all just hope the midwives and bunny remember as I'll be busy lol eecckk

Beckmum write it in your birth plan/birth preferences

With my last two the cord wasn't cut until after I had delivered the placenta.

That's something I had to request though.

Beckmum,

I gave birth in water, and 'delivered the baby myself' both times. I brought the babies up to the surface and cuddled them to keep them warm.

I was handed a towel and when I had found a comfortable position bfed them.

No-one could get NEAR the cord unless I specifically floated over to them.

Once the placenta was out I asked them to cut the cord, but it was a good 30 mins later on each occasion.

Then I got out of the pool and continued feeding. It was a bit nuts because as they had forgotten to bring the gas and air for the actual birth they tried to give it to me for the after pains but as I was feeding I didn't feel it was safe.

By the way, when I said 'request', I actually mean 'tell them how it would be'.