Arlene Easthope Midwife

18/09/2025

We would really appreciate people writing a google review for the Kumeu Helensville midwives if you have time. Thanks whanau

28/04/2025

Is there anyone that can donate a newborn capsule and/or a bassinet for a refugee women I am caring for ?

05/02/2025

24/07/2024

21/03/2024

🌿 Nuchal Cord 🌿
This image is absolutely outstanding!
I know what you are thinking though, that cord around the neck...

A high percentage of babies are born with the cord wrapped around their neck, known as a nuchal cord, perhaps as much as 1 in 3. Many people assume that this has a detrimental effect to the baby, but this isn't generally thecase.

You see, a baby doesn't breathe like we do, whilst in the womb. They don't rely on air entry through their mouth and into their lungs. All of their oxygen and blood supply comes via the cord. Therefore, if the cord is wrapped around the neck, it doesn't effect gas exchange. The baby cannot really be strangled by the cord.

Yes, if the cord is tight around the neck, it can be squeezed during a contractions/surge and this can momentarily occlude oxygen and blood from passing to the baby, but in general this effect is no different than if the cord wasn't around the neck.

A potential, rare issue it could create is if the cord is very short and also wrapped around your baby, this could prevent them from being able to move down the birth canal effectively. Sort of like dangling something on a rope, that you just can't reach!

Babies are birthed through the cord or it can be slipped over the head once the head is born. Rarely, if the cord was very tight and the baby was unable to be born through it, it may need to be cut before the body is born.

Our bodies were made for this and the cord is super clever in the way it provides for your baby.

(📸 Townsville Birth Photographer - Lauren + Douglas Birth)