09/09/2026
What Every Expectant Parent Should Know
Did you know you have a choice in when your baby’s umbilical cord is cut?
Research now shows that waiting just 30-60+ seconds (or until pulsations stop) can make a real difference for your baby:
✨ Increased iron stores and hemoglobin levels
✨ Lower risk of anemia in the first 6 months
✨ For preterm babies: better circulation, reduced need for blood transfusions, and lower risk of complications like necrotizing enterocolitis
ACOG now recommends delayed cord clamping for healthy full-term and preterm newborns.
Planning ahead matters. If this is important to you:
→ Talk to your provider before birth about timing
→ Add it to your birth preferences
→ Consider a doula to advocate for you in the moment
→ If you’re hoping to bank or donate cord blood, loop in your provider and cord bank early (timing can affect collection)
Every birth is different, and there are situations where immediate clamping is medically necessary. But for most uncomplicated births, this is a conversation worth having with your care team.
Was delayed cord clamping part of your birth plan? Tell us about your experience below!
