Step by Step
- Wait for the cord to stop pulsing completely! (Check near newborn end, not middle of cord)
- Tie off or clamp cord close to the baby, a few cm / an inch.
- Tie off or clamp cord a second time above the first tie/clamp
- Cut the cord using sterile sharp scissors between the two ties.
- Wipe away excess blood.
- Do not put anything on the stub. Air, indirect sunshine and avoiding getting it wet are best. If the cord stub looks weepy or possibly infected, breastmilk is the best thing you can put on it. Make sure the breastmilk air drys before you put a nappy back on the baby.
Sterilisation
You can sterilise scissors, ties or clamps in a pot of water with a lid by boiling the water for 5 to 10 minutes.
You can also buy sterilised ties/clamps and scissors in sealed packages.
Remember
DO NOT TIE OFF OR CLAMP THE CORD UNTIL THE CORD HAS STOPPED PULSING! YOU WILL BE SEVERING YOUR BABY'S BACKUP LIFE SUPPORT AND OXYGEN FLOW, MAKING THE BABY'S TRANSITION FROM CORD DEPENDANCE TO FULL LUNG BREATHING HARDER! This transition period is supposed to be gradual and gentle on the baby, not a sudden and forced full dependance on lung breathing.
Can't stress this enough. It is best to wait til the placenta has been birthed before any thoughts are put to cutting the cord.
Also, the cord is thick and hard to cut, like meat gristle.
