Delayed (or Optimal) Cord Clamping: Giving Your Baby the Best Start

When your baby is born, the umbilical cord — their lifeline during pregnancy — continues to play an important role for a short time after birth. It still pulses with oxygen-rich blood and stem cells, helping your baby transition gently to life outside the womb.

In the past, it was common to clamp and cut the cord immediately. Today, research and updated medical guidelines show that waiting — a practice known as delayed or optimal cord clamping (DCC) — offers lasting benefits for your baby’s health and development.

What Is Delayed Cord Clamping?

Delayed cord clamping means waiting before cutting the umbilical cord — usually at least one minute after birth, or until the cord stops pulsing and turns pale.

During this short waiting period, your baby receives extra blood, oxygen, and stem cells from the placenta. This natural transfer supports healthy blood volume and helps your baby adapt smoothly to breathing on their own.

Even if you require assistance with delivering the placenta, delayed cord clamping is often still possible.

Why It Matters

Allowing time for this natural process can make a meaningful difference for your baby. Research shows that delayed cord clamping can:

• Provide a fuller blood volume, supporting healthy growth and iron stores for up to six months.

• Deliver more stem cells, which aid in tissue repair, immune function, and overall development.

• Reduce complications in premature babies and, in some cases, improve survival rates.

These benefits come from something so simple — waiting just a minute or two before clamping the cord.

When Delayed Clamping Might Not Be Possible

While delayed cord clamping is recommended for most births, there are a few circumstances where your healthcare team may need to clamp the cord sooner. These may include:

• If your baby needs urgent medical attention, such as breathing support or resuscitation.

• If you are experiencing heavy bleeding after birth.

• If there are placental complications such as placenta praevia, placental abruption, or vasa praevia.

• If the cord is bleeding and blood flow to the baby is interrupted.

• In cases of twins who share one placenta (monochorionic twins), where there is a small risk of blood transfer between babies.

Whenever possible, care teams aim to provide support with the cord still intact, and some hospitals now have equipment that allows them to do so.

If Your Baby Needs Help Breathing

Sometimes babies need a little help taking their first breaths. In many maternity units, staff can now provide breathing support while the cord remains connected, allowing your baby to continue receiving blood from the placenta. This approach helps combine medical care with the benefits of delayed clamping.

Can We Still Cut the Cord Ourselves?

Yes, you or your birth partner can still cut the cord after delayed clamping. The process simply happens a little later, once the cord has stopped pulsating.

Can Delayed Clamping Be Done During a Caesarean Birth?

Yes, delayed cord clamping is possible during a caesarean section, whether planned or emergency. Your healthcare team will usually wait at least one minute before cutting the cord, ensuring your baby receives the same benefits as with a vaginal birth.

Afterwards, your baby can be gently cleaned, checked, and placed in your arms for that first cuddle or skin-to-skin contact.

Adding Delayed Cord Clamping to Your Birth Preferences

Its' a good idea to discuss your wishes with your midwife or doctor during pregnancy. Including this in your birth preferences ensures everyone on your care team understands your wishes.

If you have a birth partner, talk through your plan together so they can help support your choices during labour and birth.

Does It Affect Breastfeeding or Skin-to-Skin Contact?

No. The umbilical cord is long enough to allow for immediate skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding while you wait for the cord to finish transferring blood. The process won’t interfere with your first bonding moments.

Delayed Clamping vs. Cord “Milking”

There are two main ways to help babies receive the blood remaining in the cord:

• Delayed clamping: Letting the blood transfer naturally at its own pace.

• Cord milking: Gently pushing blood through the cord toward the baby to speed up the process.

Cord milking may be used if a baby needs quick medical attention or is born prematurely. Both approaches aim to ensure babies receive as much of their own blood as possible.

Does It Increase the Risk of Jaundice?

No — research shows that delayed cord clamping does not increase the likelihood of jaundice. Mild jaundice is common in newborns regardless of when the cord is clamped, and all babies are routinely checked for it within their first few days.

In Summary

Delayed (or optimal) cord clamping is a simple, evidence-based practice that supports your baby’s health in the very first moments of life. By waiting just a little before cutting the cord, your baby receives a natural boost of blood, oxygen, and stem cells — helping them grow stronger and healthier from the very start.

It’s a small step that can make a big difference. Talk to your care team and include delayed cord clamping in your birth plan for a calm, gentle, and connected start to your baby’s journey.

At Nest & Nurture, we believe every family deserves informed, confident, and nurturing care from pregnancy through to parenthood.

If you’d like to explore your birth options, understand your body, and prepare for a calm, positive experience, discover our personalised 1:1 Pregnancy and Birth and Beyond Course — designed to help you feel empowered, supported, and ready for the journey ahead.

Visit ournestandnurture.com/blog to read more about gentle birth practices, emotional wellbeing, and holistic preparation for your growing family.