The Importance of Placental Removal After Birth: Understanding Delayed Cord Clamping and Natural Detachment

The placenta is a vital organ that provides nourishment and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy. After the birth, its removal is crucial. However, many midwives and doctors follow delayed cord clamping or natural detachment practices, allowing the placenta to detach and the umbilical cord to fall off on its own. This article explores the implications of these practices and how they impact a newborn's health and development.

The Post-Birth Process Without Human Intervention

Following nature's guidelines, some birthing scenarios do not involve immediate cord clamping or detachment. For instance, in the natural birthing process, animals are left to manage the afterbirth on their own. In particular, newborn lambs are left to detach the umbilical cord as nature intended, without human intervention. The cord and placenta eventually separate, and the placenta dries and falls off over several days.

Natural Detachment Process and Its Benefits

When left undisturbed, the cord and placenta undergo a process of natural detachment and separation. Initially, the cord shrinks and dries, eventually breaking off at the navel. This gradual process, known as Lotus birth, has been observed in various cultures and is practiced by some midwives and parents. In this scenario, the cord is left attached, and the placenta is treated with herbs and salt, then carried in a specially designed bag until separation.

Supporters of delayed cord clamping argue that it allows more blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby, potentially increasing the baby's iron and iron retention. This method has been linked to improved iron stores in newborns, which can be particularly beneficial for preterm babies. The cord is expected to fall off within a couple of weeks of the birth, providing a natural and non-invasive solution.

Medical and Practical Considerations

While natural detachment methods can be beneficial, there are also practical and medical considerations. In situations where a baby needs immediate medical attention, the medical team may need to clamp and cut the cord to ensure quick and safe intervention. Additionally, if the cord is not managed properly, it can become a source of infection or rot if allowed to stay on for too long.

For instance, if a newborn were to flap around while the cord is still attached, it could become entangled in objects, such as bicycle spokes, posing a risk of injury. Therefore, while natural detachment methods are safe and beneficial in many cases, they must be carefully managed to ensure the baby's well-being.

Moreover, the placenta itself needs to be handled with care. Left in the home with the baby, the placenta can become quite smeary and smelly, and must be kept clean and treated appropriately to avoid any infections or other complications.

Conclusion

The decision to follow delayed cord clamping or natural detachment methods is a matter of choice, depending on the baby's health condition and the preferences of the parents and medical team. While natural methods offer certain benefits, they must be carefully managed to ensure the safety and health of the newborn. Understanding the post-birth processes and the importance of proper placental removal can help parents make informed decisions about the care of their newborns.