Delayed cord clamping is a birth practice in which the umbilical cord is not clamped or cut until after pulsations have ceased, or until after a given period of time has elapsed. It has been suggested that a delay of 1-2 minutes may typically leave sufficient cord blood to be stored but before making a decision, we encourage you to research WHO, NICE and RCOG guidelines so that you can make a fully informed decision about delayed clamping and what is best for you and your baby.

Delayed cord clamping provides benefits to your baby, including a normal healthy blood volume, good oxygenation and heart rate for the transition to life outside of the womb. Additionally, a higher haemoglobin level with improved iron stores in early life could potentially have a favourable effect on development outcomes, in infants for the first few months post-birth.