Cord Blood Stem Cells Information

Whats the big deal about cutting the umbilical cord while pulsing about?

I've heard so much in recent months even years about the debate over whether you should cut the umbilical cord immediately, or wait for it to stop pulsing... What are the pro's and con's either way? Does it really matter? I'm just confused as to why it matters either way.. so any information would be wonderful! thanks

Public Comments

1. Blood loss. If you wait to cut the cord until it stops pulsing, there's less chance of the baby having anemia (not enough blood) and having to have a blood transfusion.
2. Pros: baby is less likely to have anemia. Mom is less likely to loose excessive blood. If mom is RH neg, less likelihood of sensitization (some women do not benefit from Rhogam). Even if disattached, placenta continues to provide oxygen to baby so if there is difficulty resuscitating baby, less chance of brain damage. Cons: Inconvenient to doctors. Some babies have more problems with higher levels of billirubin. Cannot bank cord blood most of the time. In my case, since I am RH sensitized, I wouldn't be doing it. The reason why it is a debate is because doctors are resistant to change the way they do things, although pediatricians have seen the change in the babies in hospitals where it is done frequently.
3. The blood in the cord and the placenta is the baby's blood. Many people wait to cut the cord so the baby gets all of their own blood. There are even people who do not cut the cord ever, leaving the cord and the placenta with the baby, allowing it to separate from the baby naturally, called a lotus birth.