I personally find the umbilical cord and placenta absolutely fascinating! I’ve actually been told before that I was smiling way too much in a photo with the placenta. The new mom and dad had to get used to the sight of that bloody lump of flesh in my hand. We laughed so hard about it when we looked at the photos!
But why do I find the placenta and umbilical cord so fascinating?
The placenta and umbilical cord are extremely important during pregnancy and childbirth. A large portion of the baby’s blood volume is found in the placenta. The placenta facilitates the exchange of nutrients and other substances between the mother’s blood and the baby’s blood.
When should you cut the umbilical cord?
During childbirth, there are choices you can make regarding when to cut the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord continues to pulsate for a short while after the baby is born. Leaving the placenta attached for a little longer after birth allows the baby’s blood to flow back into the body.
We always leave the umbilical cord (if medically possible) beat out before we cut it (or have it cut). The umbilical cord can be cut before or after the placenta is delivered. If you let the placenta be delivered first and only then cut the umbilical cord, this is called a half lotus childbirth.
You can even leave the placenta attached until the umbilical cord naturally detaches from the baby's belly. This is called a lotus childbirth.
What do you use to tie off the umbilical cord?
There are also different ways to tie off the umbilical cord. We have the umbilical cord clamp (often a blue, hard-plastic clamp included in the maternity kit). You can also use a cord ring, which we sell for €1.50. And you can use a cord tie. The advantage of this is that the clamp won’t irritate the baby’s tummy.
Choices!
Yes, there are all kinds of options when it comes to the placenta and the umbilical cord. Please let us know your thoughts on this. For example, you can include them in your birth plan or bring them up during your appointment.
Good luck with (yet another) decision you get to make!
Best regards, Sanne
