Early versus delayed cord clamping of the

normally birthed neonate post birth on infant iron studies at

six months.

ALEXIS FLETCHER 0950062 - June, 2010

Discussion Points

Topic Choice RationaleIntroduction and ResearchMethods and MethodologyData AnalysisImplications for PracticeReferences

Topic Choice Rationale

EDUCATION Previous degree – BSc Human

Nutrition and Sport and Exercise Science

Current degree – BHSc MidwiferyINTERESTS Interest in expanding current protocol Strong interest in holistic wellness

promotion

Introduction and Research

Low iron status an increasing issue in NZ due to a lack of iron rich foods being introduced when complimentary feeding begins (Ziegler & Fomon, 2009).

Delaying clamping the cord has been shown to have great benefits to the neonate, the main being increased iron status at two and three months (Hutton, 2007).NO RESEARCH ON SIXTH MONTH IRON STATUS (IN RELATION TO

CLAMPING) OR THE EXACT LENGTH OF TIME TO DELAY CLAMPING.

Methods and Methodology

PARTICIPATION Selection criteria includes infants born by normal

vaginal birth (excluding instrumental birth), between 38-42 weeks gestation to mothers of uncomplicated healthy pregnancies living in the Auckland region.

Participation opportunities provided to all mothers birthing at WDHB, ADHB, and MDHB via the woman’s midwife.

NB – If active management of the third stage has to be performed the participant will unfortunately be excluded from the study.

Methods and Methodology Cont.

Data Analysis

Factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). Sphericity assumed at all times. The significance level will be set at

P=0.05. Values are means and standard

deviations of x number of subjects unless otherwise indicated.

CHOSEN BECAUSE:Tests significance between and within

treatments.

Implications for Practice

Redefines protocol – Currently absent. Will provide an understanding of infant iron status

and anemia – regardless of outcome.

PROMOTES An increase in physiological birthing practices

including expectant management of the third stage.

Extended lifetime wellness by improving iron status or awareness.

Good Nutrition. Awareness of brain development and the

philosophy of the first three years last forever (BrainwaveTrust, 2010).

References

BrainwaveTrust. (2009). Brainwave DVD's. Retrieved 8 June 2010, 2010, from http://brainwave.org.nz/brainwave-resources/dvds/

Hutton, E., & Hasan, E. (2007). Late versus early clamping of the umbilical cord in full-term neonates. JAMA, 297(11), 1241-1252

Ziegler, E. E., & Fomon, S. J. (2009). Strategies for the Prevention of Iron Deficiency: Iron in Infant Formulas and Baby Foods. Nutrition Reviews, 54(14), 348-354.