Delayed/Optimal cord clamping is when the baby’s umbilical cord isn’t not immediately clamped and cut. Instead, allowing extra time for the blood in the cord and placenta to flow to the baby. Delaying by at least 1 minute can increase your baby's blood volume by 30% which has significant benefits!

Benefits:

Reduces risk of iron deficiency anemia. A two-minute delay in cord clamping increased the child's iron reserve by 27-47 mg of iron, (equivalent to one to two months of infant iron requirements).

Increases supply of valuable stem and progenitor cells, as well as may improve blood oxygenation and increase blood volume, altogether reducing the infant's susceptibility to both neonatal and age-related diseases.

Benefits are even greater for preterm infants: Decreased need for blood transfusion, and lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage.

A common myth is that blood will move from the baby back to the placenta. This is NOT true. Research has shown that it is not associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Delayed cord clamping is a low risk option for both mom and baby. The main risk is a higher risk of jaundice due to the higher blood volume and bilirubin. However, babies are monitored for jaundice and treated (ex. phototherapy).

Delayed cord clamping may not be recommended in women with abnormal placentas, women experiencing a hemorrhage or babies who are born needing immediate medical care.

The research is mixed on exactly HOW long. The consensus is that at least 60 seconds is beneficial, but there are some studies that have shown benefits up to 5 minutes or until the cord is white. Other studies show no greater improvement after 60 seconds. However, if baby is doing well (not in an emergency situation) the risks are low for baby and mom to do delayed and optimal cord clamping and the benefits are well documented.

Lastly, delayed cord clamping can STILL be done after a cesarean birth so make sure you talk to your doctor in advance to let them know your wishes.

How long after your birth until your baby’s cord was cut?