Delay Cutting the Umbilical Cord

Guest: Maria Mascola, Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology The umbilical cord is a literal lifeline between mother and her baby. And a father’s first official act in his baby’s life is often cutting that cord, making the baby an independent human. In the US, this usually happens within seconds of birth, but the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends waiting up to a minute before cutting the umbilical cord.