For heaven’s sake this is bloody obvious, but umbilical cords are also used in medical treatment and research, including stem cell research. How much is an umbilical cord worth to research laboratories? That is the real question, it is about money not health and well-being.
That cord is property of the mother and baby remember, but it is liquid gold for medical research. That umbilical cord should never be clamped until the blood and nutrients stop flowing into the baby. It is a mother’s right to insist on this for the health of her baby. Sadly young mothers can be disempowered when they are in hospital giving birth. Depending on what hospital you are in; the political climate might vary in regards to birthing procedures and your rights.
I strongly recommend women stand up for their rights and the rights of their child. Do not let a doctor or anyone pressure you into clamping the cord too soon or make you do something that you don’t want to do. This is part of your body and your baby’s body; and therefore your property. Please tell the doctor before the birth that you want to the cord clamped after it stops pulsating the blood and nutrients. Make sure even in the delivery room this is openly stated and have your birth partner present to hear this. Your rights must be respected and the rights of the baby. Stand your ground, and remember there is a medical advocate to help you also should you encounter any problems.
https://www.eurostemcell.org/cord-blood-stem-cells-current-uses-and-future-challenges
Your baby’s health comes first, so that your child is not medically disadvantaged. Yes it is good to help others, but your child needs it’s own blood.
https://www.cellcare.com.au/pricing/pricing/. Storing is expensive
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1601996/. Ethics, commercial banking
https://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/cord-blood-banking-n400561
