Use of and attitudes about milking the umbilical cord by family practice physicians in Indiana : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevailing opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of milking an infant's umbilical cord immediately after delivery. Of the 387 questionnaires distributed, 86 were unusable because of disconnected or incorrect fax number, or the physician was no longer working at that location. Of the remaining 301, only 59 (20%) of the responses were usable. Of those physicians who practice obstetrics (n=33), approximately 18.2 % (n=6) "milk" the cord. Of those respondents who do not "milk" the cord (n=27), 29.6% have never learned to do so and 22.2% have not seen data supporting its use. The respondents who do not milk the cord (n=27) indicated they would "milk" the cord if evidence shows it is a helpful procedure. Overall, the majority of respondents (74.6%) do not believe that milking the umbilical cord should be used routinely in the birthing procedure.