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Delayed cord clamping and the golden hour

What happens in the first minutes after birth matters. Mia explains cord clamping and the golden hour in plain words.

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In short

Waiting helps

Waiting at least one minute before clamping lets more blood pass to baby and is advised for most births.

Skin-to-skin

Holding baby on your chest keeps them warm and calm and helps feeding start.

The golden hour

Try to keep the first hour calm and uninterrupted. Routine checks can often wait.

If baby needs help

Sometimes the cord is cut sooner so baby can get care. Your team will tell you why.

What delayed cord clamping is

After your baby is born, the cord still carries blood from the placenta to your baby. Waiting before clamping lets more of this blood reach your baby.

Why it helps

Waiting at least a minute is linked with better iron levels in babies in the first months.

For premature babies, it is linked with better outcomes too. NICE and WHO both advise waiting for most healthy babies.

The golden hour

The first hour after birth is a special time. Skin-to-skin helps your baby stay warm and calm, and helps feeding start.

Ask for the room to stay calm and quiet, and for checks to wait unless needed.

If things are different

If your baby needs help breathing, the cord may be cut sooner. Many units can now help babies with the cord still attached.

After a caesarean, delayed clamping and skin-to-skin are often still possible.

Based on WHO and NICE guidance on cord clamping and immediate skin-to-skin contact. Mia teaches. Your midwife knows you best.

Sources: NICE guideline NG235: Intrapartum care · WHO: Optimal timing of cord clamping · Cochrane review: Effect of timing of umbilical cord clamping

Good to know

Can I do this after a caesarean?

Often, yes. Ask your team about it before the birth.

Does waiting raise any risk?

For healthy babies, waiting at least a minute is recommended. Your team will advise if there is a concern.

Can my partner cut the cord?

Often, yes. Add it to your birth plan.

More on after birth

Breastfeeding basics

Safe sleep

Postnatal recovery

All 6 after birth guides