ACNM: Is there a link between breastfeeding ease and cord clamping time?

November 29, 2024

1 CEUs Available
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Course Description
This presentation proposes a link between breastfeeding ease and cord clamping practices based on emerging evidence. The first hour of a baby’s life is a critical period in development as many transitions need to occur. Placental circulation continues for several minutes after birth providing dual respiration and full perfusion of the infant’s body. Early cord clamping can result in hypovolemia leading to under-perfusion of the brainstem. At least five aerodigestive activities (respiration, suckling, swallowing, mastication, and licking) are controlled by six separate areas of nuclei located in the medulla and pons. Research has linked abnormalities in brainstem nuclei to pathologies in infants and children. A full perfusion of the brainstem likely best supports hormonal and transitional physiology. Appropriate research will verify this hypothesis and support continued advancements in practice.

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Review the recent literature on health status of infants, breastfeeding incidence, and cord clamping practices.
2. Identify the probable physiologic link between BF ease and cord clamping practices using two relevant cases
3. Review transitional physiology and discuss the role of the brainstem.
4. Identify current and needed research to evaluate infant’s contribution to breastfeeding ease
5. Assess strategies for implementing best practices for “undisturbed third stage” in all settings

Judith S. Melson Mercer, PhD, CNM (ret.), FACNM is the 2014 recipient of the Hattie Hemschemeyer Award and a 2019 Columbia University’s School of Nursing Distinguished Alumnae Award for Research. Judith is Professor Emerita at the University of Rhode Island and Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the Alpert Medical School at Brown University. She is a consultant at the Neonatal Research Institute at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns and was a co-investigator on the MINVI multicenter, international trial (Milking for Non-Vigorous Infants). Judith is one of the world’s leading experts on delayed cord clamping with research grants from NIH (and other funding) for her study of the effects of delayed cord clamping on preterm and term infants. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and numerous other publications in addition to giving many presentations all over the world.