Where I work this practice was almost routine until a few years ago when
'hands off' births and waterbirths began. Anecdotally, not feeling for a
cord has never caused a problem - the cord comes out draped all round the
body and you just unwind it after birth. I think it is very widespread as a
practice because when mentioned in the Courses I do, most midwives do it and
it usually generates a little debate about pros and cons .e.g. implications
for third stage etc. Also have noticed it on American birth videos.
Denis Walsh
----- Original Message -----
From: "Elaine Jefford" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2003 10:19 AM
Subject: Help and advice
> Hi EVERYBODY
> I have just registered for my PhD and the topic I am researching is the
> practice of feeling for the cord after delivery of the head but before
> delivery of the shoulders. This practice is mentioned in some of our
> English text books (Myles) and I have and am still witnessing it in
> practice, but to date I can find no literature or research to make this
> evidenced based practice.
> Does anyone know when this procedure was introduced or why? Also why have
> we as midwives adapted it, is it linked to ritualistic practice?
> Do you know of anyone who practices this procedure or do you do it
> yourself? Do the women consent to this practice?
> Any help or advice to any aspect of these questions would be greatly
> appreciated
> Elaine Jefford
> Senior Lecturer
> Anglia Polytechnic University
> Chelmsford England
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