| 6. ONLY CUT THE CORD IF ADVANCED MEDICAL CARE IS OVER AN HOUR AWAY.
-If not, leave the cord in place and ensure that it is slack.
7. If you cut the cord:
- Feel for pulsations and when the cord stops pulsating, you may cut it.
- The umbilical cord has no nerve endings, so there is no pain to mother or child.
- First step is to tie a string or shoelace around the cord 3" from the baby"s umbilicus, tying it tightly in a double knot.
- Next, tie another string two inches away from the first one, tying with a double knot.
- Use a sterile knife or scissors (wipe down with rubbing alcohol or boil in water for 20 minutes) to cut between the two laces.
- The cord is difficult to cut because of its rubbery texture; you should approach this task with care.
- Recover the infant when the cord is cut.
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