Re: re:finally

[Lois Wattis]

Hi Sonja - it's good to hear of your thoughtful approach to third stage management.  I'd suggest you get hold of a copy of the AIMS publication "Delivering your placenta" which happens to be on special thru Capers at the moment.  It's an excellent summary of the evidence, and useful as a guide for parents when considering this very important aspect of their birth.  I agree with leaving the maternal end of the cord free-draining, but believe it REDUCES the likelihood of formation of a retroplacental clot (which is not a physiological event).  It allows the placenta to reduce in bulk and is consequently easier to expel.  This action is particularly important for Rhesus Negative mums as it reduces the likelihood of backpressure causing transfer of babies blood cells into her bloodstream.  Best wishes, Lois Wattis    ----- Original Message ----- From: Barry MacGregor To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 10:26 AM Subject: re:finally   Where I am currently employed as a student midwife we administer oxytocin with the delivery of the baby's anterior shoulder.    It depends on the midwife assisting the woman as to when the cord is clamped (before or after pulsating has finished).  Unfortunately, I have been more concerned with the lack of obtaining consent prior to giving this drug (shock horror, I was always under the impression that you needed to gain consent prior to giving any drug!), so I have not even attempted to look up research on whys and effects of this drug.  I'll have to do some extra research now. Oh!  Nikki, I also drain the maternal end of the cord into a dish.  A very experienced midwife told that it was to aid in the formation of a retroplacental clot.  Seems that there is now a couple of reasons I can suggest when a midwife questions what I am doing. Thanks Sonja