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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Can I cut baby's cord myself?

17 replies

tittletattoo · 16/12/2021 10:18

I'm due 3rd baby any day now, and both previous baby's my husband has cut baby's cord and I believe dressed them in their first outfits in between delivering placenta/getting examined/stitched/first feed etc.

This baby will most likely be our last so I have an urge to cut the cord and dress baby this time, does any one know any reason why I may not be able to do this? Is it too awkward etc?
Thanks!

OP posts:

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Thefuturestory · 16/12/2021 10:23

Of course you can. Delayed cord clamping. Cut it yourself.

negomi90 · 16/12/2021 10:23

You can have the baby put skin to skin on you (naked baby) and dress them when its all done and you're ready. Baby doesn't need to be dressed instantly, as long as its on you with towels/blankets over the top.
Cord - depends on how long it is, but you probably need to be concentrating on other things. Let dad have that one.

mummykendra570 · 16/12/2021 10:25

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Danikm151 · 16/12/2021 10:26

I couldn't cut my son's cord as it was quite short so couldn't reach but you could always ask them.

BillyBarryBoo · 16/12/2021 10:27

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Juno231 · 16/12/2021 10:28

@mummykendra570 what on earth 😅

Luckystar1 · 16/12/2021 10:32

OP I specifically requested each time to be the first person to touch my babies (I have 3), I cut the cord of the last one and did delayed cord clamping. I was the first to dress/nappy etc each of them.

MNHQ

MichaelMumsnet · 16/12/2021 10:33

Hi all. We've shown the troll the door now.

Strangevipers · 16/12/2021 10:35

If it's important to you why not?

But

Surely dad wants to do it, the guy probably will feel like a spare party otherwise

Original poster

tittletattoo · 16/12/2021 10:37

Lovely thanks all! 😁 I will mention to the midwives beforehand, my daughters cord was quite short so can see how maybe that might make it a bit tricky depending on cord length!

OP posts:

Luckystar1 · 16/12/2021 10:40

I should say though, none of mine were dressed for hours after birth. We did skin to skin and then they were wrapped in towels/blankets and we snuggled and went to sleep. We only got dressed to go home!

And no, I absolutely disagree with PP, it’s not for the dad to do. If you want to, you do it. He presumably got to do it the 2 previous times.

SirSamuelVimes · 16/12/2021 10:43

My first had a short cord, definitely would have struggled with her. Second was longer but my DH did it with both, though at least with the second I could see what was going on! I could have done it (physically could reach) but he was a bit of a spare part during labour - I don't like to be talked to or touched or anything when labouring - so it felt nice for us to give him a job to do! With both of mine I had them on me for skin to skin as the cord was cut, and did delayed clamping too. Absolutely no recollection of who dressed them! Assuming it wasn't me based on that I think DH might have done it while I delivered the placenta but honestly not sure! No reason why baby can't just be snuggled up in blankets until you are ready to do it.

Original poster

tittletattoo · 16/12/2021 10:44

Yes dad did cut cord and dress both times before, I just have the urge this time as it may be my last opportunity 🙂 there's also a high chance he won't even be with me as we may struggle with childcare for our 2 at home so it may naturally fall to me anyway 😂

Both my previous babies had lots of skin to skin and latched them on very quickly, I actually don't seem to remember when they were dressed I just know I didn't do it lol!

OP posts:

stingofthebutterfly · 16/12/2021 10:54

Sure you can. I don't think cord length will be an issue, considering everyone can reach between their legs. The midwife will be happy to facilitate, all being well.

IDontDrinkTea · 16/12/2021 11:15

Yes of course you can. Cord length isn’t really an issue, you just need to be able to reach between your legs if it’s really short

SheWoreYellow · 16/12/2021 11:16

I tried to with one of mine, but it was a bit tough and I couldn’t manage it easily. I could reach ok though.

Dyra · 16/12/2021 14:51

I cut the cord! DH was offered the opportunity, but didn't want to. DD did her best to try and put her wee toesies in the way, but failed to her voluminous disappointment. 25 weeks with DC2 (probably final), and hoping I get to do it again this time!

Equally no idea when or who got DD dressed. Not fussed at all about who does it though. Got years of that ahead of me, but the cord is only the once.

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