delayed cord clamping in a hospital « Back to Group Discussions

[nelson]

With DS we had requested that they delay the cord being clamped and they still clamped it immediately.  At the time I thought it was because they thought he was having trouble breathing, but that wasn't until a bit later.  I have been thinking more about this and obviously need to ask my midwife at my next apt., but does any hospital really delay the cord being clamped?  It seems like they are in such a hurry to get the baby weighed, measured and their apgar test done, that I can't see them really standing there waiting until the cord stopped pulsing.  Am I wrong?  Has anyone had delayed cord clamping in a hospital?  I really want this done this time around, but am now questioning whether hospitals would really do this or not.

[crystal_buffaloe]

I've heard that requesting a certain amount of time (like 5 min or 10 min) is more likely to be honored than "until it stops pulsing."

This is definitely something you should talk to your CP about in advance of labor -- and maybe have your SO and/or doula remind the doc of in the delivery room.

[mamaforever]

I asked my midwife (who will deliver the baby in the hospital) and she said it's pretty routine for them to do delayed cord clamping anyway.  She delivered DS1 too but I didn't even know about delayed cord clamping at that time.  I wish I remember if they waited or not - everything is a bit of a blur. :)  This time, I put in my birth plan to wait until the cord stops pulsating, but hmmm maybe I should put a time frame instead.

[crystal_buffaloe]

I would cross-post this out in the "I'm Pregnant" forum -- you might get more feedback that way.