Umbilical cord milking (UCM) is a technique that involves applying gentle pressure to the umbilical cord to facilitate the flow of a more significant amount of blood from the placenta to the newborn infant before clamping and severing the cord. Below is an analysis of the potential advantages of umbilical cord milking, along with certain factors to take into account:
Possible advantages:
Enhanced Iron Accumulation: UCM can augment the quantity of red blood cells rich in iron passed from the placenta to the infant. This can be particularly advantageous for preterm infants susceptible to iron deficiency anemia.
Enhanced Circulation: Research indicates that UCM can enhance blood circulation and the supply of oxygen to the baby’s organs, potentially decreasing the likelihood of issues such as hypoxia (insufficient oxygen levels) and hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) in newborns.
Decreased Dependency on Transfusions: The augmented blood volume obtained through UCM may diminish the necessity for blood transfusions in certain premature infants.
However, additional studies are required to understand its lasting impacts comprehensively.
Key Factors to Take into Account:
Ongoing research is being conducted to further investigate the possible advantages of UCM, particularly in premature infants. However, additional studies are required to understand its lasting impacts comprehensively.
Not universally recommended: UCM may not be appropriate for all births, particularly those with complex deliveries. Healthcare practitioners must evaluate the issue and ascertain whether UCM is suitable.
Safety Precautions: Inadequate UCM technique may significantly heighten the likelihood of infection or thrombosis. It is imperative that only healthcare personnel who have received proper training carry out this procedure.
Contrast with Delayed Cord Clamping:
Delayed cord clamping is an alternative method for enhancing blood volume in infants. It involves clamping and cutting the umbilical cord a few minutes after birth rather than immediately.
Both umbilical cord milking (UCM) and delayed cord clamping (DCC) are methods used to augment the newborn’s blood supply from the placenta. These therapies aim to optimize the baby’s blood volume and iron reserves at birth, leading to significant health advantages.
This process occurs before clamping and cutting the cord. This method enables a regulated transport of blood from the placenta to the newborn within a brief timeframe.
During UCM, the healthcare provider compresses the umbilical cord multiple times to facilitate the transfer of blood from the placenta to the infant’s body. This process occurs before clamping and cutting the cord. This method enables a regulated transport of blood from the placenta to the newborn within a brief timeframe.
On the other hand, Delayed chord Clamping (DCC) refers to postponing the clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord for a specific duration, usually 30 seconds to 3 minutes after the baby is born. This facilitates a smoother and more organic transition of blood flow from the placenta to the newborn when the infant’s circulatory system assumes control.
Direct cord clamping (DCC) can improve the baby’s hematological state and perhaps boost several health outcomes, such as minimizing the risk of anemia and promoting neurological development, by increasing blood volume and iron reserves.
Both UCM (Umbilical Cord Milking) and DCC (Delayed Cord Clamping) are procedures supported by evidence. They aim to improve the transition from fetal to neonatal life, with the ultimate objective of giving the infant the most favorable beginning in life.
Healthcare specialists will assess the potential hazards and advantages and advise on the most appropriate method for each specific childbirth.
The choice between performing umbilical cord milking (UCM), delayed cord clamping, or none is contingent upon several factors, including the baby’s gestational age, health status, and delivery circumstances.
Healthcare specialists will assess the potential hazards and advantages and advise on the most appropriate method for each specific childbirth.
Below are many additional sites for further reading:
The American Pregnancy Association has provided information on the benefits of umbilical cord milking for preterm newborns.
You may find more details on their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/amer_pregnancy/p/C8M7mdDt1UL/
The article “Frontiers in Pediatrics:
Umbilical Cord Milking – Benefits and Risks” can be found at the following link: https://www.3-port.si/Frontiers-Umbilical-cord-milking-benefits-and-risks-2483682.html
It is crucial to have a conversation with your doctor about the advantages and possible drawbacks of umbilical cord milking, particularly if you are contemplating a birth plan that involves this treatment.
