How to Talk to Your Care Provider About Your Choice to Delay Cord Clamping, Knowing the Jaundice Risk

“But what about jaundice?”

If you’ve brought up delayed (or deferred) cord clamping with your OB or midwife, chances are you’ve heard this concern. Maybe they framed it as a major risk or implied that opting for a longer delay might put your baby in danger. And now you’re left wondering—is this really something to worry about?

Here’s the truth: Every choice in birth comes with risks. The key is understanding what those risks actually look like, how to manage them, and whether they’re worth taking. And when it comes to jaundice and delayed cord clamping, the risk is often overblown.

So how do you confidently navigate this conversation with your care provider and stand firm in your decision? Let’s break it down.

1. Know What You’re Asking For

First, clarify what “delayed cord clamping” means to your provider. Some consider 30 seconds delayed, while others will wait 60–90 seconds. But if you’re thinking “wait for white” (where the cord stops pulsing entirely), you need to be specific.

“I’d like to wait until the cord has fully transfused before cutting it. What is your typical approach to delayed cord clamping?”

This helps you gauge where they stand and whether you’ll need to advocate harder for your preference.

2. Address the Jaundice Concern Head-On

If your provider brings up jaundice, they’re likely referring to hyperbilirubinemia—a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a natural byproduct of breaking down red blood cells, and since delayed cord clamping increases baby’s blood volume, bilirubin levels might rise slightly. But here’s the part they don’t always mention:

• Research shows that babies with delayed cord clamping for over 60 seconds had a lower rate of needing phototherapy (3.2%) than those with clamping under 60 seconds (4.3%).

• Only 7.7% of all babies with delayed cord clamping needed any phototherapy at all. That means over 90% of babies handled this transition just fine—without intervention.

  How to respond to provider concerns:

“I understand that bilirubin levels may be slightly higher, but the data shows that the need for treatment doesn’t actually increase. I’d still like to move forward with this plan and monitor my baby closely after birth.”

3. Show That You Have a Plan

Care providers want to know that you’re not just making a choice—you’re making an informed choice. If they see that you understand the risks and have a plan for managing them, they’re more likely to respect your decision.

How to frame your plan:

• “I’ll be watching my baby for signs of jaundice and making sure they’re feeding well.”

• “I’ll be supporting their bilirubin clearance with frequent breastfeeding and natural light exposure.”

• “If my baby shows any concerning symptoms—like extreme lethargy or difficulty feeding—I’ll absolutely seek further care. But in the absence of those signs, I’d like to take a watchful waiting approach.”

This tells your provider:

• You’re aware of the risk.

• You’re taking responsibility for monitoring it.

• You’ll seek intervention if truly necessary.

At the end of the day, your provider’s job is to present the risks—not to make decisions for you.

4. If You Get Pushback, Redirect the Conversation

If your provider still seems hesitant, try shifting the focus back to the proven benefits of delayed cord clamping:

• Increased iron stores → Lower risk of anemia in infancy

• Better blood volume → Smoother transition to life outside the womb

• Improved oxygenation → Better brain development

• Stronger immune system → More resilience in those early months

What to say:

“I hear your concerns about jaundice, but given the significant benefits of delayed cord clamping, I feel comfortable with the minor risk increase. I’d really like to prioritize my baby receiving their full blood volume.”

If they’re still resistant, **ask for evidence—**not just opinion.

“Can you share any research that shows a significant increase in severe jaundice requiring intervention with delayed cord clamping? I want to make sure I’m weighing the actual data.”

Most providers won’t have that data on hand—because it doesn’t strongly support their concern.

5. Advocate for Yourself (Or Bring Someone Who Will!)

If you feel uncomfortable or pressured in these conversations, bring a birth worker, doula, or knowledgeable support person to your appointments.

If your provider isn’t on board with a well-researched, evidence-backed decision that you feel confident about, it’s worth asking yourself:

• Is this the right provider for me?

Because informed choice is your right. It’s not about blindly trusting “the evidence”—it’s about knowing your options, understanding the risks and benefits, and deciding what feels right for YOU.

If you’re in the Peterborough and surrounding area and want someone in your corner to help you navigate these conversations and advocate for what you want in birth, I’m here for you.

Reach out to book a session—we’ll make sure you walk into birth feeling informed, supported, and confident in your choices.