10/31/2026
Delayed cord clamping versus physiological cord clamping.
In midwifery, we always strive to see the wisdom in how birth is designed and to support that design.
The placenta and umbilical cord are amazing structures. For years there has been a debate about delayed cord clamping versus immediate cord clamping. Hospitals now have studies and claim they do "delayed cord clamping." This can mean waiting a minute or 2 before clamping the umbilical cord.
We recognize that just as all births are different, that all babies do not follow the same time frame for transitioning after birth. The umbilical cord is designed to shut itself down when it has accomplished its job. Often what people refer to as wait for white. Some babies this happens in 3 minutes. For others it can take much longer.
At Linden Tree Midwifery, we respect this design and do not routinely cut or clamp the cord until after the placenta is delivered. And if a baby needs some help transitioning, we leave the cord to do its job while we support the baby to begin breathing.
How long did you wait to cut the cords of your babies? What was that experience like for you?