After the umbilical cord has stopped pulsating, how far should you tie it off from the baby?

The correct approach to tying off the umbilical cord after it has stopped pulsating is to do so approximately four finger widths or fifteen centimetres away from the baby. This distance ensures that there is sufficient length of cord remaining to minimize the risk of injury to the baby, particularly to the abdominal area, while also allowing for proper clamping techniques and subsequent care for the newborn.

Having adequate length is crucial for the potential later procedures, such as cord blood collection, if necessary. This distance also helps in providing a safe margin to avoid complications such as cord injuries or excessive bleeding. Proper understanding of this distance is essential for EMRs to ensure the health and safety of both the newborn and the mother during the birthing process.