What's the best time to cut the cord after birth?

[5Homebirths4Kate]

With my 4th birth, I remember very specifically waiting about a half hour before the midwife decided to clamp and cut the cord. Every so often she would touch the cord to see if it was still pulsating, and it was, so we just waited in the warm water. We wanted to be sure that baby got all of the good red blood cells that she was entitled to before cutting the cord.

Most doctors will clamp and cut right away, but more and more evidence is proving that if you wait to cut the cord, that babies have less problems.

How long did your doctor wait to cut the cord with your babies? Here's a wonderful water birth where you'll actually hear the mum (who is a doctor) do an "educational moment" after the birth, where she explains about how important it is to allow the cord to finish pulsating before cutting it.

[Jessica]

That is a lovely birth video and truly amazing. It is so neat that she shares some educational information after the birth, and she looks absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed seeing her little one come to see the new baby and her family looks so happy. I have also heard a lot more about waiting to cut the cord. We did not wait as long as I would have liked, but I have learned more about it since having my last baby.

[5Homebirths4Kate]

Jessica - so glad you liked the video!

[momikatie]

Wow, amazing video. I soo love it! Thinking of a water birth for my next pregnancy perhaps. :-)