Delayed Cord Clamping & Placenta Encapsulation
What Is Delayed Cord Clamping?
Delayed cord clamping is when you wait at least 30 seconds to several minutes (or even much longer) after birth before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord. In contrast to immediate clamping (which happens within 15 seconds of birth), delaying this process allows more blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby, and provides significant health benefits.
At any given time, about one-third of your baby’s blood is cycling through their placenta. That blood belongs back in your baby, not washed down my sink. Imagine how you’d feel after donating one-third of your blood volume!
Benefits of Delayed Cord Clamping
Increased Iron Levels – Babies receive extra blood, which boosts iron stores and supports brain development.
Better Oxygenation – More red blood cells help with oxygen transport, which is super important for newborns.
Smoother Transition to Breathing – Delaying cord clamping allows the baby to receive oxygen from the placenta while adjusting to breathing air on their own.
Reduced Risk of Anemia – Higher iron levels in infancy can lower the risk of anemia in the first year of life.
Supports Preterm Babies – Delayed clamping can reduce the need for blood transfusions and lower the risk of complications like intraventricular hemorrhage, so delayed cord clamping is extra important for preemies.
What About Placenta Encapsulation?
Placenta encapsulation is the process of preparing and dehydrating the placenta, then grinding it into a powder and placing it into capsules for consumption BY THE PLACENTA OWNER for postpartum hormonal balance. Many parents choose this practice for its potential benefits, including increased milk supply, energy support, and mood stabilization after birth.
Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
Hormonal Support – The placenta contains estrogen and progesterone, which may help regulate postpartum hormones.
Increased Energy – Many moms report feeling more energized during the postpartum period.
Improved Mood – Placenta capsules may help lower the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Iron Replenishment – Helps restore iron levels lost during childbirth.
Milk Supply Support – Some studies and loads of anecdotal reports suggest it may aid in lactation.
Can You Do Delayed Cord Clamping and Have My Placenta Encapsulated?
Yes! Most of my placenta encapsulation clients choose to delay cord clamping. If you would like to do delayed cord clamping with your newborn, just be sure to communicate with your provider. Delayed cord clamping is now more standard than not, so it shouldn’t be a battle you have to fight. And the only difference it makes on my end is less blood washing down my sink. I can always tell if it’s been done, so if you‘re not sure, just ask your encapsulator.
Things to Consider:
Let Your Birth Team Know – Inform your midwife, OB, and/or doula about your plan to delay cord clamping and encapsulate your placenta.
Proper Storage – Your placenta must be handled safely and stored correctly for encapsulation.
Work with a Certified Specialist – Choose a trained placenta encapsulation provider to make sure that you and your baby are safe.
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Birth is unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. While delayed cord clamping has its benefits, in my opinion, this is absolutely not a hill worth dying on. If circumstances arise where it isn’t possible, it’s not something to stress about or feel upset over. The most important thing is a healthy baby and a healthy parent, and there are plenty of other ways to support your baby’s health.
Ready to Book Placenta Encapsulation Services?
If you're interested in placenta encapsulation, I offer professional placenta encapsulation services throughout Central and South Jersey, the Jersey Shore, Philadelphia, and Delaware. As a certified placenta encapsulation specialist, I help moms feel good with placenta pills for a smoother transition to motherhood.
Click here to learn more or reserve your placenta encapsulation spot.
