Twisted naval string:
Forty turns of jelly and
contrary vessels.
Break benefits both before
severing the thread of life.
The umbilical cord has traditionally been cut (or at least clamped) 15-20 seconds after birth but increasingly research suggests that a longer delay before cutting is beneficial for both term and pre-term infants.
For term infants a delay of 30-60 seconds can increase haemoglobin levels at birth and iron stores in the first months of life. In preterm infants a delay can improve transitional circulation, result in the better establishment of red blood cell volume and decrease the need for blood transfusions.
A delay before clamping and cutting is therefore recommended by both the World Health Organisation and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
This sciku is actually an example of a tanka – the first two verses of a traditional renga, where haiku originate from. Learn more about haiku, renga and tanka here.