Birth & Baby Ep. 31 - Delayed, or rather ‘optimal’ cord clamping. Evidence based practice?

Welcome and thank you for listening!

The biologically in-tune practice of waiting for blood to transfer from the cord to the baby’s body has been shown to have numerous benefits. Studies have shown that a delay in cord clamping increases a baby’s blood volume by 32% and his iron reserve by 27–47mg of iron, helping to prevent iron deficiency and lowering the risk of anaemia, as well as resulting in fewer transfusions and fewer incidences of intraventricular haemorrhage. Other long-term benefits include improved neurodevelopment (especially fine motor and social skills) years later, for children whose cords are cut more than three minutes after birth, according to one Swedish study.

Even though there are numerous benefits, it is still not standard practice and it's important to know what the evidence is saying why it should be! Tune in for an insightful interview with Dr Zelda Janse van Rensburg. Dr Zelda Janse van Rensburg is a registered nurse and midwife. She completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Tshwane University of Technology and holds a Doctorate degree in nursing. She completed her nursing management and nursing education diplomas at the University of Pretoria. Dr Zelda is a full-time lecturer at the University of Johannesburg and has a passion for family health and midwifery. She teaches undergraduate students and is also supervising several masters and doctoral students in the field of nursing and midwifery. Dr Zelda also has her own business, Dr Z, baby, and me, focusing on all things related to mom and baby. Above else her greatest achievement till now is raising her beautiful eight-year-old daughter that teaches her more than any book could ever do.

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