Decisions, Decisions

Making the First 10 Choices for Your Newborn.

- Sally J Hall

When you’re pregnant, there’s plenty to think about. Not only do you have to know all about your pregnancy and birth options but you also have to make decisions for your baby almost as soon as she is born. It’s good to consider these options well before the birth so that you can make informed decisions about which procedures you do - or don’t - want. Here are the top 10. Then on the big day, you can simply enjoy meeting your new baby.

CORD CLAMPING

In the past, doctors would cut your baby’s cord within seconds of birth, before whisking your little one off to be checked over. Now, most recognise the benefits of putting the baby onto the mother’s chest, whilst allowing the cord to stop pulsing naturally. Advocates say this allows precious blood and stem cells from the placenta to pass into the baby, helping prevent iron deficiency. You can even ask for delayed clamping if you choose to bank your baby’s stem cells (see feature on page 68).

CORD BLOOD OR STEM CELL BANKING

Many parents consider banking their baby’s stem cells so that they might be used in the future should your child develop a serious condition. You might think of this like a health insurance policy - plus, stem cells can even be used for a sibling. There have been some great developments in stem cell treatment for conditions such as cancer, cerebral palsy, autoimmune diseases and arthritis. Blood from the placenta is harvested after the cord has been cut.