# Delayed Cord Clamping

Source: https://www.pregnancypowerhour.com/birth/delayed-cord-clamping
Last updated: 2026-07-15

> Delayed cord clamping involves waiting a few minutes after birth before the umbilical cord is cut, allowing more beneficial blood flow from the placenta to the newborn.

Delayed cord clamping, often referred to as waiting to cut the cord, is a gentle practice that allows your baby to receive vital blood from the placenta after birth. This simple yet impactful choice can significantly benefit your newborn's health, particularly their iron stores and overall transition to life outside the womb. Understanding this option can help you make an informed decision for your birth preferences, whether you're planning a [Hospital Birth](/birth/hospital-birth), a [Birth Center Birth](/birth/birth-center-birth), or even a [Home Birth](/birth/home-birth).

## What it is

Delayed cord clamping means that instead of clamping and cutting the umbilical cord immediately after birth, your care provider waits for a period of one to five minutes, or until the cord has stopped pulsating. This allows a natural transfer of nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood from the placenta to the baby. This process is a physiological continuation of the baby's connection to the placenta, ensuring they receive all the blood volume intended for them.

## What the evidence says

Research consistently supports the benefits of delayed cord clamping. Major organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend this practice. Evidence shows a significant increase in newborn iron stores, which can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia in the first year of life. For babies born prematurely, delayed cord clamping has been shown to reduce the need for blood transfusions and lower the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage, a serious brain bleed. While term babies may have a slightly increased risk of jaundice, this is generally mild and well-outweighed by the substantial iron benefits. When a delay isn't feasible, cord milking (gently squeezing the cord toward the baby) is sometimes used as an alternative, though it has less robust evidence than actual delayed clamping.

## When it's recommended

Delayed cord clamping is widely recommended for most healthy term and preterm infants. The guidelines from ACOG, WHO, and AAP advocate for waiting at least 30-60 seconds, and often up to 1-5 minutes, in most uncomplicated births. Despite these clear recommendations, immediate cord clamping is still a routine practice in some settings. This divergence often comes down to established hospital protocols or provider habits rather than current evidence. It's a prime example of where understanding the evidence can empower you to advocate for a different approach. While cord blood banking is compatible with delayed clamping, it's important to note that the volume of blood collected for banking may be reduced, as more blood has already transferred to the baby.

## Brittany's doula perspective

As a doula, I often see how choices around cord clamping can be overlooked in prenatal discussions. Many parents aren't even aware this is an option they get to decide on. My role is to help you feel clear and confident in your choices. You get to decide what feels right for your family. Discussing delayed cord clamping with your provider ahead of time ensures they understand your preferences. This is a moment where your informed consent truly matters. While a practice like "lotus birth," where the cord remains attached until it naturally detaches, is a minority practice not supported by mainstream guidelines, delayed cord clamping is a well-researched, evidence-based option that can offer significant benefits for your baby's health. Your provider is your best resource for discussing how delayed cord clamping fits into your specific birth plan and medical situation.