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Where on earth did you hear about this happening, you must be in the US?

where would one get some placentas?

here's what i read on MSN about this:

Does my newborn need the blood in his umbilical cord?
Some parents worry that newborns need the blood and stem cells in their umbilical cords and that clamping the cord too soon after delivery (a necessary step for cord blood harvesting) will harm their babies. But for the vast majority of babies, clamping the cord shortly after birth is perfectly safe and, in some cases, can even reduce the risk of serious, even life-threatening, conditions, says George Mussalli, maternal-fetal medicine specialist and director of obstetrics at North Central Bronx Hospital and Jacobi Medical Center in New York.

If a baby who was born prematurely or suffered restricted growth in the womb, for example, absorbs the additional blood in his umbilical cord, he could end up with too much blood, a condition known as hypervolemia that can cause circulatory problems and even heart failure. For babies whose mothers had gestational diabetes, delayed cord blood clamping can cause a thickening of the blood (polycythemia) that can lead to seizures and a dangerous form of jaundice known as hyperbilirubinemia. If the mother has developed an immune response to her baby (a condition known as alloimmunization) are also at risk for hyperbilirubinemia if the umbilical cord isn't clamped quickly.

The only babies who can benefit from the additional blood in their umbilical cords are those who have lost blood -- which is often the case when the placenta separates too early from the uterine wall (placental abruption), or when fetal blood vessels from the placenta or umbilical cord cross the entrance to the birth canal (vasa previa). In these situations, doctors actively milk the cord blood from the placenta toward the infant to help provide blood volume and red cell transfusion. "If such a circumstance arises in a baby destined for cord blood harvesting, it's wiser to let the cord blood go into the baby than to remove it for blood banking that will likely never get used," says Mussalli.

Sounds line another crack-science consiracy theory story.
First off, could you explain what you think the correct precedure is to cut the cord? Second, our hospital asked us about handling of the amlilical cord and when to clamp it etc and if we're banking it. Third, you are also asked if you want to donate the placenta and cord blood to the hospital. So you can take off the aluminum foil cap; "They" are not after you.... and stop spreading misinformation please?!

I asked my dr about this after reading this post. She said in most situations it isn't necessary. Also, if we wanted to allow the cord to quit pulsating, I couldn't have the baby on my chest until it was done and she had clamped it. She would have to keep her until it was finished.

I would be careful about spreading that kind of misinformation around.

You can hold your baby before they cut the cord providing the umbilical cord is long enough. Some people have very long umbilical cords which make it possible for them to hold the child while the cord stops pulsating.

If you search on the internet, there are hundreds of sites offering evidence about the benefits of delayed cord clamping but I have yet to see one site about the benefits of immediate cord clamping. Also, I have not read scientific evidence of a baby dying or having problems because of delayed cord clamping (1-3 minutes) - (I have searched) whereas they have found benefits for delayed cord clamping especially for premies - so why not delay it? It makes sense to me to ask that they wait until the cord stops pulsating before they clamp and cut.

I am so glad that someone else is informed about the pure STUPIDITY of cutting the cord right after birth. Other than the baby losing 1/3 to 1/2 of it's blood supply it also causes the baby to go into respiratory shock sometimes. The placenta is in essence an organ, it is throbbing and still carrying oxygen, blood and nutrients to the baby and should be kept intact until the placenta "deflates" and all the blood is replaced back into your baby. Main reason for jaundice? Cord clamping too soon, cutting the cord immediately is like you sticking silly pitty in your mouth and nose and trying to breathe for a few minutes. Also, on average the umbilical cord is worth around $75 an inch if cut immediately after childbirth. No damn wonder the doc is in such a hurry. PREGNANCY IS NOT A SICKNESS! And we seem to forget that just because the hospitals do it for everyone doesnt make it ok. Know your options, or you don't have any. I would not have a child in a hospital unless I was high risk and it became absolutely necessary..but that's a whole different topic! Be informed ladies, it is your baby and your choice.

Oh, also danger danger just another note, most women are so afraid to go against the grain when having a baby that they put their own selfishness above what is best for their baby. "Well my doctor said.." GET OVER IT! Hospitals are just like any other business! Get em' in and get them out! CARE FOR THE MASSES..that's what it is called when we do the same thing for everyone because they buy it and don't question anything. And also, none of this is MISINFORMATION since all of it is public knowledge if you would increase your awareness mommies.

how long should the doctor wait untill he clamps the umbilical cord? I dont want my baby to lose any nutrients and for it to be sold to somone else. my doctor is really cool and will have no problem waiting i just want to know what to ask for

Felisha, don't "ask" - TELL them to wait until the cord has stopped pulsing.

I'm so happy to come across this thread! I was wondering about this myself. I had my baby three weeks ago and I'm not sure how long my midwife waited to clamp and cut the cord, but I think it was a couple of minutes at least because my husband said the cord did not have any blood in it when he cut it.

ugh...this is why i want to be a midwife.