An expression in everyday language, “cutting the cord” suggests that the moment arrives when parents and children must distance themselves and break the relationship. invisible original link which binds them. It applies as much to the Tanguys who are reluctant to leave the family nest, as to the fathers and mothers hens who hold them back. Before reaching the old age where the problem arises, parents are entitled to ask themselves whether distancing themselves from their baby is wise. And, if this is the case, how can we ensure a smooth transition? So many somewhat abstract questions which refer to the very concrete act of cut the umbilical cord in the delivery room.
The physiological role of the umbilical cord
What is the umbilical cord?
You should know that the umbilical cord has a fundamental role in everyone’s existence. First major organ to develop in the embryo, after the heart, the face and part of the nervous system, the umbilical cord makes its appearance at the 5th week of pregnancy.
So similar to a seahorse, the future baby is connected to its mother thanks to this short pipe, which makes the junction between the umbilicus and the fetal side of the placenta. He is called to grow, just like the little being he feeds.
What is the umbilical cord used for?
Indeed, nutrient supply is the primary mission of the umbilical cord. Thanks to the contributions it receives, the embryo can then grow to reach the stage of fetus. And, ultimately, its cord will measure up to 60 cm, or even 1 meter in rare cases.
Let’s look at the other contribution of this royal road: oxygen. Coming directly from the mother, it reaches the offspring, who are bathed in amiotic fluid. A well-established system since, alongside what reaches it, the embryo also has this tube to dispose of your own waste.
Contained in a bag stuck to the uterus, the amniotic fluid interacts with the future infant. The latter nevertheless draws most of its contributions straight from mother's blood. And this action is made possible only thanks to the umbilical cord. Relegated to the backstage for nine months, he fully enters the stage at childbirth.
What is the umbilical cord made of?
In practice, most often, the cord lives its life and there will be little concern for it, even at the time of birth. The cord being made of “ gelatin » (Wharton's jelly) and blood vessels, it slips between the baby's arms or legs without hindering delivery.
The umbilical cord during childbirth
At the time of delivery, a very rare phenomenon can nevertheless occur. And that's when the cord slips in front of the baby's head during labor.
At this time, vaginal delivery represents a threat, because this small head could press on the cord and block the blood fluid. A cesarean section is then performed.
Umbilical cord around baby's neck
It is also possible that the baby's cord comes around his neck. Natural stories and fears often cause worry among expectant mothers. However, the cord being very flexible, this generally does not no impact on the baby's well-being.
During labor, during contractions, the baby's heart is monitored. This makes it possible to detect a reduction in oxygen supply due to possible compression of the umbilical cord.
This is one of the reasons why it may be necessary to perform a cesarean section. A number of babies are born with the umbilical cord as a necklace around their neck, or in a “strap.”
But this did not no impact on birth. Nature is not that bad and above all the medical teams are there to monitor the baby during labor.
Cutting the cord at childbirth: the partner in action
Following childbirth, it is necessary to cut the cord. A role easily attributable to the partner, if he is present and has expressed the wish. However, we are far from an inaugural ribbon that a mayor cuts in front of the new community hall. The organic reality of facts can turn out to be delicate.
In the movies, what of the physically impressive dimension of childbirth. It happens that the father or the spouse saw more than expected during delivery.
And when it comes time to pick up the scissors, the task is either petrifying or a source of disgust. Many companions today want to cut the cord, but nothing obligatory !
This action involves the partner in the birth of her child. Through this concrete gesture, he too finally has control over the birth of his child, after nine months of relative passivity.
The umbilical cord at the birth of the baby
Whether the companion does not want to cut the cord, or does not feel the courage to do so at the moment, the midwife will do it. The same, of course, for mothers who give birth alone.
Clamping the umbilical cord
Previously clamped using specific pliers called Barr clamp – action carried out in the first 3 minutes of the baby’s life – the umbilical cord is safe during first aid, in order to prevent any risk of infection.
Scissors are used to cut the cord. Fortunately it is an action which is painless for the baby because the cord does not contain any nerve fibers.
The Barr clamp will then remain attached to the small section of cord a few centimeters long that comes out of the baby. Here again, it is for preserve the sterility of the orifice.
Late cord clamping
Today theWHO – the World Health Organization – recommends late cord clamping. That is to say at the end of 60 seconds after birth, which would have a positive impact on infant anemia.
Nature following its course, this piece of cord then carries out its grand finale, falling on its own. Within 48 to 72 hours of postpartum, the now dried cord retracts and thus releases itself from the clamp.
Hollowed, rounded or twisted, the navel takes on various final shapes. Omphaloplasty, plastic surgery aimed at reshaping the navel, would even have been the beauty trend of spring 2018, according to a women's magazine.
Beyond knowing if one has a navel conforming to the canons, let us know that its shape comes from the way it healed.
Cord cell collection
“Looking at your navel”, “being the navel of the world”, “me and my navel”… The navel, in the collective imagination, is the ego.
When we see all the feats that this tube is capable of, we say to ourselves that we can definitely do it this honor! An attitude far from being navel-gazing is to make a cord blood donation, if you feel like it.
There are around thirty maternity hospitals allowing this donation in France. This involves taking placental blood from the cord to help with cure of certain serious pathologies. However, consider inform the midwife in advance, because the sample is taken immediately after the birth of your baby.
