Delayed clamping: this is when you ask the doc to delay clamping (and cutting) of the umbilical cord after the baby is born. Usually docs cut the cord right after the baby comes out, but there is an ongoing debate about how long you should wait since presumably some of the blood from the umbilical cord is still going into the baby. There are pros and cons and the best solution isn't really that straightforward since there can be some risks to the baby and the mother if the clamping takes too long, such as over-inflating the baby.  So, should you do this and if so how long should you ask them to delay?  Generally, you don't want to deviate too much from the standard practice at the hospital for these things but it is probably safe to wait a couple of minutes.  I wouldn't go longer than that personally unless the doctors recommends doing it – and there are cases where this is more important such as a pre-term birth.

Cord blood banking: There is a ton of information about this online but it is pretty hard to sort the good from the bad. The number one source for independent information online on this topic is the "Parent's Guide to Cord Blood" website. Just Google it. It is easy to find. There are reams of data there to sort through all of the details. Another good resource for the straight dope on this is www.cordadvantage.com. I am actually pretty active in this industry as it happens and would be happy to help out if you need more info about the options. But essentially, it costs money and is a sort of biological insurance against needing the stem cells in the future. They are non-controversial stem cells (not embryonic) so don't feel like politics  or religion should play a part here. They are the same kind of stem cells that are in bone marrow, so whenever you hear of someone getting a bone marrow transplant (such as after chemo for leukemia or lymphoma) these are the same kinds of stem cells, and there is a good chance they will be a match for an immediate family member. I say, if you can afford the piece of mind, then go for it. And who knows what kind of cool stuff they will be able to use them for in years to come.

We will tie the umbilical cord blood banking recommendations back to the delayed clamping post. Hint: you should read these posts in order. So, if you delay the clamping, won't this prohibit you from doing the cord blood collection? The answer is no. The cord blood collection is setup to collect the remaining blood, and there is no problem with collecting for generally even 10  or 15 minutes or so after the birth. Any longer than that and there be some clotting, but really delayed clamping and cord blood banking may be a good combination (and will remind your wife and doc that you are on top of these important things).

Read More: http://wifeispregnant.com/2011/08/03/delayed-clamping-and-cord-blood-banking-part-1-of-3/