Can I Delay Cord Clamping AND Bank Cord Blood?
- Abigail Coale, Labor Doula
- May 14, 2018
- 1 min read

The short answer? Yes! But you’ll want to know which is your top priority just in case.
The World Health Organization suggests that delayed cord clamping be at minimum one minute after birth, but can last up until the placenta is delivered.
Since medical staff only need roughly 25% of cord blood for storage, and about half of the blood will filter back to your baby after three minutes, it is absolutely possible to both delay cord clamping and bank cord blood.
If the clamping is delayed too long, however, the volume may not be enough to donate, especially if donating to a public blood bank.
To help you narrow down what may be the best option for you, here you can see the benefits, risks, and alternatives to both Delayed Cord Clamping and Cord Blood Banking. When in doubt, ask your provider about standard protocol and your preferences.
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