Research-backed
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A Cesarean is not always the easy way out that it may generally sound, as there is a lot attached to it. It is always an intense event whether a C-section has been preplanned or just happened to be an emergency.
You invariably end up having a bevy of doctors, nurses and various instruments buzzing all around you, which may frankly overwhelm you a bit.
With a planned birth you may have probably discussed the delaying of cord clamping for a bit post delivery but how would this happen during a C-section?
Can One Afford To Delay Cord Clamping During C-Section?
Well for a start, why would anyone want to delay cord clamping? The umbilical cord is an extremely complex but interesting structure that not only gives nourishment to the baby as it develops inside the uterus but also continues and does not stop for some time even after the birth.
The effects of delaying of the clamping of the cord as per Evidence-Based Child Health are many and also great. The delaying leads to the baby ending up having a higher concentration of hemoglobin- the part of your blood that is oxygen rich- and also leads to better blood pressure, body temperature and weight at birth (1).
In a Cesarean birth, these effects would be as much beneficial as they are in a vaginal birth. So can one delay the clamping during C-section? Or is it too busy a time for all that?
Well, one must also know that cord clamping comes with its fair share of risks too. According to the study, there is also an increased 2% risk of the baby developing jaundice and requiring phototherapy.
Cord clamping is, of course, very different from a “lotus birth,” which entails leaving the entire cord and placenta attached till it falls off. This practice is warned against by the doctors as it would mean carrying around the baby’s cord and placenta for days wherein the cord will dry up, and the placenta will rot, leading to high risk of idiopathic hepatitis, septicemia, and seizures in babies that remain attached to the decomposing tissue (2).
Clamping simply means delaying for literally only a minute, enough for the remaining blood and nutrients to get pumped into the newborn.
The case is stronger in preemies especially the very small ones born between 28 and 32 weeks.
The teeny ones have their cord milked like a cow, which is quite fascinating to watch. Research proves that the preemies that have their cords milked as opposed to simple clamping have higher and better hemoglobin rates, have more even heat and their blood pressure is not given to dips and soars.
On your initial visits to your chosen obstetrician or during your prenatal visits, do remember to check up on their policy regarding delayed cord clamping and also C-sections. The American college of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) does support the universal adoption of this practice in hospitals all across the nation, but still, all are yet to come on board. In cases where the mother or baby may be in distress it may simply not be possible, but in most cases, it is, according to ACOG.
Half the battle is won if you are well informed and if you know the details, you and your doctor can certainly make an informed decision.Remember a smooth and well-planned birth will lead your baby to a healthier and happier future. Best of luck!
