Umbilical cord milking (UCM) is a process that involves gently squeezing the umbilical cord to help transport more blood from the placenta to the newborn baby before clamping and cutting it. Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits of umbilical cord milking, with some considerations:
Potential benefits:
Increased Iron Stores: UCM may increase the number of iron-rich red blood cells transported from the placenta to the newborn. This is especially useful for premature babies at risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Improved Blood Flow: Research suggests that UCM may improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the baby’s organs, potentially lowering the risk of hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and hypothermia (low body temperature) in infants.
Reduced requirement for Transfusions: The increased blood volume obtained through UCM may lessen the requirement for blood transfusions in some premature newborns.
Important considerations:
Research is ongoing: While there is emerging evidence of UCM’s potential advantages, particularly in premature babies, more research is required to understand its long-term consequences properly.
Not Always Recommended: UCM may not be appropriate for all births, particularly complex ones. Healthcare experts must evaluate the case and decide whether UCM is acceptable.
Safety Considerations: Improper UCM technique may raise the risk of infection or blood clots. It should only be done by trained healthcare personnel.
Umbilical cord milking (UCM) and delayed cord clamping (DCC) are both treatments used to supplement the infant’s blood supply from the placenta.
Comparison with Delayed Cord Clamping:
Delayed Cord Clamping: Another strategy for increasing blood volume in neonates is delayed cord clamping, which involves clamping and cutting the cord a few minutes after birth rather than immediately.
Umbilical cord milking (UCM) and delayed cord clamping (DCC) are both treatments used to supplement the infant’s blood supply from the placenta. These therapies aim to increase the baby’s blood volume and iron storage at birth, which can have significant health benefits.
Before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord, the healthcare provider squeezes it many times to drive blood from the placenta into the infant’s body. This procedure enables the regulated blood transport from the placenta to the newborn over a short period.
On the other hand, DCC entails delaying the clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord for a set period, usually 30 seconds to 3 minutes after birth. This enables a more progressive and natural blood movement from the placenta to the infant when the baby’s circulatory system takes control.
The increased blood volume and iron stores obtained by DCC can improve the baby’s hematological state and potentially improve various health outcomes, including lowering the risk of anemia and boosting brain development.
UCM and DCC are evidence-based therapies designed to optimize the physiological transition from fetal to neonatal life.
UCM and DCC are evidence-based therapies designed to optimize the physiological transition from fetal to neonatal life, with the ultimate goal of giving the newborn the best possible start.
A number of criteria, including the baby’s gestational age, health status, and delivery conditions, determine whether to conduct UCM, delayed cord clamping, or neither.
Healthcare specialists will assess the risks and advantages and recommend the best technique for each birth.
Here are some resources for more reading:
American Pregnancy Association:
Umbilical Cord Milking – Benefits For Preterm Newborns:
https://www.instagram.com/amer_pregnancy/p/C8M7MDt1UL
Frontiers in Pediatrics:
Benefits and Risks of Umbilical Cord Milking:
https://www.3-port.si/Frontiers-Umbilical-cord-milking-benefits-and-risks-2483682.html
Remember to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of umbilical cord milking, especially if you are planning a birth that incorporates this treatment.
