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You’ve probably heard countless recommendations on how to have the smoothest, easiest labor and delivery possible. But what if those recommendations didn’t actually work for you? What if, after trying them all, you learned that your particular obstetrical journey required some “extra help” from our friends in higher UpDown genders? For example, did you know that pushing before your cervix dilates fully could lead to spontaneous contractions that can hurt your baby? Or that artificial vaginal birth control (AVB) might cause you to go into labor sooner than usual because it interferes with the natural office labor of your uterus? Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable tools available these days to help guide women through pregnancy and labor without the use of force. In this blog post, we’ll explore some ways to delay cord clamping—a potentially painful stage in childbirth—and what your nurse or midwife might suggest instead.
What is cord clamping?
Cord clamping, in its most basic form, is the practice of clamping down on a newborn’s umbilical cord to help the baby pass through the birth canal. This clamping is often accompanied by a suctioning of the baby’s mouth, so as to prevent infection or excess milk production. Clamping on the cord can be a necessary and appropriate part of the delivery process, or it can be done out of convenience. In some cases, it may be necessary to clamp the cord to open up the birth canal so you can push your baby out easier. In other cases, your OB/GYN may recommend keeping the cord clamped for a couple of hours after delivery to prevent postpartum bleeding. Besides clamping the cord, other methods of helping your baby pass through the birth canal without injury include: A non-invasive jaw stimulation device, such as the MiraCXI, that helps your baby relax and open his/her mouth A breathing machine, such as the NebuBlue, that you can put in your room to help your baby stay asleep A rocking chair or other chair slanted forward that you can put in your bed to help your baby develop a healthy neck position
How to Delay Cord Clamping Before Your Baby’s Birth
If you’re struggling with labor and delivery problems, or you’ve wanted to have a vaginal delivery but been unable to due to complications, the following tips might help. Don’t push your luck. If you’ve tried every way possible to have a vaginal delivery and still haven’t gotten your baby out, it’s likely that something is preventing you from giving birth this way. Work on your timing, technique, and mental state toward being able to push the baby out easily. These will all come into play once you’re fully dilated and contractions have been happening for a while. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s likely that you’ll be in labor for a while. Once you’re past the point of no return, it may be possible to delay cord clamping a couple of hours before your baby’s birth. But even then, you may have some redness and swelling around the cord that causes you some discomfort. If you’ve tried every way possible to have a vaginal delivery and still haven’t gotten your baby out, it’s likely that something is preventing you from giving birth this way. Work on your timing, technique, and mental state toward being able to push the baby out easily. These will all come into play once you’re fully dilated and contractions have been happening for a while. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s likely that you’ll be in labor for a while. Once you’re past the point of no return, it may be possible to delay cord clamping a couple of hours before your baby’s birth. But even then, you may have some redness and swelling around the cord that causes you some discomfort. Stay calm. Many mothers experience increased heart rate and breathing during the early stages of labor, especially if they’ve been pushing for a while. If you’re experiencing any kind of racing or out-of-control heartbeat, be sure to take a break and take care of yourself. If you have any kind of infection, pain, or discomfort, it could prevent you from delivering your baby safely.
What can delay cord clamping?
There are many things that can delay the clamping of your baby’s cord, including your ability to push, your cervix’ ability to dilate (or not), and your baby’s developmental stage. For example, the baby can be in a crouched position or lying on his/her back. Also, if your baby is premature, the umbilical cord may remain attached for longer periods of time before being cut. Also, if your baby isn’t thriving, the cord may remain attached for longer periods of time before being cut.
Bumpers and warming blankets
Bumpers and warming blankets are small pads that you can use to warm your baby after birth. You can use them on your side or your stomach, and they’re especially helpful if you’re in labor and trying to sleep. Bumpers are recommended not only for new mothers, but for people with back or shoulder pain, as well. Warmth creates a chemical reaction in your baby’s body that triggers your own body’s natural painkillers. The bumpers and blankets are also useful if you’re constipated or have an upset stomach. If you’re having trouble holding your bowel movements, bumpers are a good idea.
How to ease into cord clamps
The first thing you need to do is prepare. You want to be as relaxed as possible during labor and delivery. This will help your body relax and allow for the best chance of a successful delivery. When you first get pregnant, you go from being really excited to be a mother to being really stressed out. Pushing comes as a bit of a shock to your body and your system, so you want to be as prepared as possible for it as possible. To prepare for pushing, sit or lie down, close your eyes, and take some deep breaths. Notice how your body feels as you breathe in and out. If you’re experiencing any type of discomfort or pain, it may be that you need to take a break and rest.
Wrapping up: The best way to delay cord clamps
While you can’t prevent all types of labor and delivery complications, you can prepare yourself for them by following these tips: Don’t push your luck. Pushing when you don’t have to can be dangerous. If you’ve tried every way possible to have a vaginal delivery and still haven’t gotten your baby out, it’s likely that something is preventing you from giving birth this way. Work on your timing, technique, and mental state toward being able to push the baby out easily. Once you’re fully dilated and contractions have been happening for a while, it may be possible to delay cord clamping a couple of hours before your baby’s birth. But even then, you may have some redness and swelling around the cord that causes you some discomfort. Stay calm. Many mothers experience increased heart rate and breathing during the early stages of labor, especially if they’ve been pushing for a while. If you’re experiencing any kind of racing or out-of-control heartbeat, be sure to take a break and take care of yourself. If you have any kind of infection, pain, or discomfort, it could prevent you from delivering your baby safely.
What can delay cord clamps?
There are many things that can delay the clamping of your baby’s cord, including your ability to push, your cervix’ ability to dilate (or not), and your baby’s developmental stage. For example, the baby can be in a crouched position or lying on his/her back. Also, if your baby is premature, the umbilical cord may remain attached for longer periods of time before being cut. Also, if your baby isn’t thriving, the cord may remain attached for longer periods of time before being cut.
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