Why Delayed Cord Clamping Matters — Oh Baby
The placenta’s final surge
We all know the placenta is the lifeline that nourishes your baby throughout pregnancy, but many people don’t realize that this incredible organ offers one final, powerful surge after birth.
In most hospitals, it’s still standard practice to clamp the umbilical cord almost immediately. When that happens, the baby misses out on a crucial transfusion of blood, oxygen, nutrients, and protective cells — just when they need it most.
Iron stores and long-term health
One of the most important reasons to delay cord clamping is the boost in iron stores, which play a critical role in early development.
Did you know that between 6–12 months of age, babies actually require more daily iron (11 mg) than an adult male (8 mg)? That’s why iron-rich foods are so emphasized when starting solids.
Diet isn’t the only factor, though. Babies who receive delayed cord clamping are far better equipped from the start.
According to a Cochrane Review, babies who undergo immediate cord clamping are:
As the review states:
“There is growing evidence that delaying cord clamping confers improved iron status in infants up to six months post birth.”
Other benefits of delayed cord clamping
Studies also show that babies who experience delayed cord clamping have a significantly higher birth weight — on average, 101 grams more than those whose cords were clamped immediately.
That’s because delayed cord clamping provides babies with up to a third of their total blood volume. This vital transfer includes:
Oxygen to vital organs
Vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
Red and white blood cells
Immune cells and stem cells
In fact, immediate cord clamping can leave a baby with up to 30% less of these essential cells.
There are maternal benefits too, including a shortened third stage of labor and a reduced risk of retained placenta.