Delayed cord clamping is the practice of waiting a short period after birth before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord. This allows extra blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby, providing increased iron levels, improved circulation, and a smoother transition to life outside the womb.
Cord blood banking, on the other hand, involves collecting and storing the remaining blood from the umbilical cord after birth. This blood is rich in stem cells, which can be used in medical treatments and regenerative therapies. Many parents wonder if banking cord blood and delayed cord clamping can be done together. The answer is yes—but the length of the delay plays a key role in determining whether there is enough blood left in the cord for collection.
Delayed Cord Clamping Pros and Cons
Delayed cord clamping has gained widespread recognition for its benefits, but it also comes with some limitations, particularly when considering cord blood banking.
The Pros of Delayed Cord Clamping
According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are many benefits of waiting to cut the umbilical cord, especially in preterm infants:
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Enhanced Blood Transfer & Circulation: Delayed clamping increases placental transfusion, leading to a 30% increase in neonatal blood volume and a 60% increase in red blood cells, which helps stabilize circulation and improve oxygen delivery.
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Higher Iron Levels & Reduced Anemia Risk: Babies receive more iron-rich blood, lowering the risk of iron deficiency and supporting long-term brain and physical development.
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Improved Cardiovascular & Respiratory Function: The extra blood volume aids in regulating blood pressure and ensures a smoother transition from the womb, reducing the risk of respiratory distress.
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Benefits for Preterm Infants: Delayed clamping has been linked to a lower risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (brain bleeding) and improved organ function in premature babies.
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Long-Term Developmental Advantages: Studies highlight better neurodevelopmental outcomes and enhanced overall early childhood health due to increased blood and oxygen supply at birth.
The Cons of Delayed Cord Clamping
There are also a few concerns when dealing with delayed cord clamping. When considering delayed clamping, your baby could be at risk of developing the following conditions:
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Polycythemia: An increased concentration of red blood cells, which can make the blood thicker and potentially lead to circulation issues.
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Hyperbilirubinemia: A higher risk of jaundice due to increased bilirubin levels in the blood.
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Respiratory Distress: Some babies may experience difficulty breathing due to excess blood volume.
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Limited Cord Blood Collection: The longer the delay, the less blood remains in the umbilical cord for banking. If delayed cord clamping lasts beyond 60 seconds, the amount of collectible cord blood may be significantly reduced.
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Potential Maternal Risks: While there is no significant evidence linking delayed clamping to excessive blood loss, some healthcare professionals are concerned that it may contribute to postpartum hemorrhage in the mother.
In certain birthing situations, such as emergency C-sections, fetal distress, or maternal complications, delayed cord clamping may not be an option.
Cord Blood & Cord Tissue Banking
Cord blood and cord tissue banking allow families to preserve valuable stem cells that can be used in medical treatments. Stem cells from cord blood have been used to treat over 80 diseases, including leukemia, anemia, and immune system disorders.
By choosing to bank cord blood, parents provide their child and family with potential future medical treatment options, ensuring that these powerful regenerative cells are available if needed.
Can you do both Delayed Cord Clamping & Cord Blood Banking?
The short answer? Absolutely!
AlphaCord works with several healthcare professionals and clients who successfully choose to do both. Many delayed cord clamping supporters claim that combining delayed cord clamping and cord blood banking isn’t possible. However, the placenta and umbilical cord contain approximately 200 milliliters of blood, allowing for both processes to be performed effectively.
According to the World Health Organization, delayed cord clamping is recommended for about 60 seconds. This transfers approximately 80-100 milliliters of blood into the baby while still leaving enough for cord blood banking. Most cord blood banks require a minimum volume for storage, and studies show that clamping within 30 to 45 seconds allows for both benefits — ensuring the baby receives vital nutrients while also collecting sufficient blood for banking.
While there are many pros and cons of delayed cord clamping, it’s essential to have accurate information. Delaying cord clamping for too long — beyond 60 seconds—can significantly reduce the volume of cord blood available for collection. Parents should discuss their options with their healthcare provider to determine the best approach based on their birth plan and medical needs.
Is Cord Blood Banking Worth It?
Of course it is! Preserving your baby’s cord blood and cord tissue can protect and enhance their life. While there are costs involved with banking your baby's cord blood and tissue, you’re making a valuable investment in your child’s future health by doing so.
Your baby is a 100% match to their own stem cells, which can be used to treat certain non-genetic diseases and cancers. Additionally, treatments using a family member’s stem cells can be twice as successful compared to using an unrelated donor.
For families considering preserving stem cells from their baby's cord blood and tissue with AlphaCord, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure access to potentially life-saving treatments.
Why Choose Cord Blood Banking?
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Provides access to life-saving treatments.
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Can be used for family members in need of stem cell therapy.
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Offers potential future applications in regenerative medicine.
If you’re considering cord blood banking, AlphaCord offers affordable storage options to help families secure their baby’s health. Get Started with Cord Blood Banking
