Feeding and Newborn Care

When to start breastfeeding and first latch

When to start breastfeeding and first latch

When should breastfeeding begin? When a newborn is breathing effectively, maintaining an appropriate temperature, and does not require urgent medical intervention, breastfeeding should usually be initiated within the first hour after birth. The World Health Organization recommends early initiation and emphasizes immediate, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact when possible. This period is sometimes called the first hour […]

Benefits and safety of delayed cord clamping

Benefits and safety of delayed cord clamping

What delayed cord clamping means Immediate or early cord clamping occurs soon after birth, whereas delayed cord clamping involves waiting before applying the clamp. Guidance commonly supports delaying clamping for at least one minute when the clinical situation permits. Some protocols use a longer interval, such as 30 to 60 seconds in preterm birth or […]

Delayed cord clamping explained

Delayed cord clamping explained

What delayed cord clamping means The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta and contains two arteries and one vein. Before birth, the placenta performs gas exchange and supplies oxygenated blood through the umbilical vein. After birth, the lungs expand, pulmonary blood flow rises, and the newborn begins the transition to independent circulation. Delayed […]