Umbilical Cord Clamping

There are amazing benefits to giving birth at home for both mom and child. One benefit is the option of keeping the umbilical cord attached for a longer period of time before cutting it. As soon as a baby is delivered in a hospital, doctors immediately clamp the umbilical cord and cut it. The umbilical cord is the lifeline from the baby to it’s mother giving the needed nutrients and a healthy blood supply and cutting this line should not be an instant process. Doctors have used this traditional method of clamping because of a fear of infection to the baby, but in reality, it is greatly beneficial to wait before cutting the umbilical cord to reduce the amount of infection or complications to the baby. Dr. Maria A. Mascola states, “We have known for several years that among preterm infants, delayed cord clamping reduces the risk of several serious complications of prematurity, such as anemia,” and also adds, “In recent years, more information has accumulated that showed that even among full-term infants, delaying clamping of the baby's umbilical cord can be helpful also.” (qtd. In CNN Wire). …show more content…
Birthing at home allows a mother to be surrounded with comfort and allows her to relax and let her body do its job. Home births are just as safe, and in some cases safer, as a hospital birth and with a midwife proves to be just as medically certified and prepared for complications concerning mother or child. Being at home allows the mother to have more freedom and for nature to take it’s course of giving birth in an unpredictable way. As a result of nature taking it’s course, the option of allowing the umbilical cord to stay attached for a longer period of time is beneficial and can be requested much easier with a home birth. Home birthing is a superior alternative to delivering a low-risk pregnancy compared to a hospital births because of the range of benefits for both mother and