looking into the pros and cons of delaying the cord cutting, any mommies that can give me advise?

Pros Reduces the incidence of anemia in the newborn.

Hemoglobin concentrations remain elevated for 2 to 4 months after birth.

Iron stores are increased for at least 6 months after birth.

Fewer infants need blood transfusion.

Studies of very low birth weight infants showed some protection against intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding into a baby’s brain), late onset infections, and prevention of motor disability especially noted in male infants.

Cons Polycythemia—hyperviscosity (large increase in packed red cell volume which can result blood clots or possibly stroke)

Higher peak bilirubin concentrations requiring possible treatment with phototherapy

Increased risk of maternal blood loss while waiting for clamping of the cord.

Possible delay in resuscitation of the infant if needed (less than 10% of infants need resuscitation) causing respiratory distress.

we waited a couple (definitely no more than 5) minutes. she came out then went right onto my chest.

did it help at all? or make a difference? @_akgirl

i don't know what it'd be like if we hadn't, but each well check they've said she is beyond perfect. 2weeks ago at her 9m appt her iron levels were checked and were exactly where they should be. my dr said that even if i hadn't asked him about it (cuz my friend mentioned it so i asked him) that he usually waited a few minutes anyway.

@_akgirl, oh okay. I'm just still up in the air about it. :/

http://community.parkview.com/blog/sharonransomobgyn/a-simple-guide-to-delayed-cord-clamping

We did it and had no issues. There are no real cons to healthy baby and moms who breastfeed. This gets rid of the risk of clotting (since both are healthy there's no predisposition to clot) and b'feeding takes care of possible jaundice. The good that it does is healthier white and red blood cell count, and enough extra iron to carry them through their first year of life! It's the most nutrient rich blood they'll ever have which is why some people bank it to use on sick kids later in life for certain situations.