Presentation Information

Strategies to Implement Delayed Cord Clamping

• Speaker: David J R Hutchon , Ret. Consultant OB, ChB, FRCOG
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, .1 Midwifery CEU, 1 Dietetic CEU

Abstract:

Separation of a baby from its mother, especially soon after birth, interferes with bonding and with successful breast feeding. Separation should only be carried out when absolutely necessary. One of these situations is thought to be when the baby fails to breathe soon after birth. The common current practice of early cord clamping allows the baby to be moved to the room-side resuscitation equipment without much thought. The failure to understand the true nature of transitional circulation at birth has undermined the appreciation of the harm of early cord clamping. Teaching of the physiology of transition at birth in the vast majority of textbooks is inaccurate by implying or stating that the placental circulation ceases with the birth of the baby. When transitional circulation is understood and it is realised that there is a continued circulation with oxygen and a redistribution of warm blood to the baby, the rationale for initiating resuscitation by the side of the mother without clamping or cutting the cord. This requires preparation and some innovative thinking. New equipment now makes this much easier.