18/09/2026
Many think that once Syntocinon is given after birth, the cord immediately stops pulsing. But we've seen this isn’t the case. ❤️
At Birth on 5th, we practise active management of the third stage of labour in accordance with South African maternal care guidelines. Yet, even with active management, we often see the cord continue to pulse for 30 minutes or longer.
We wait until the cord has become white and stopped pulsating—and sometimes, the placenta is delivered before we cut the cord.
Delayed cord clamping beyond 15 minutes is commonly seen at Birth on 5th, when it is clinically appropriate.
There is something incredibly special about allowing a mother to feel that gentle heartbeat beneath her fingers—the last little connection between her and her baby before the cord is cut.
& Dad is the one who makes that final cut. ✂️❤️
A quiet moment.
A powerful connection.
A memory captured forever.
Because birth isn't only about the clinical care.
It is also about the moments we give families to remember. 🤍
