Cutting the cord can be a joyous moment in a person's life. Being able to symbolically break the link from the internal womb world to extrauterine life.

Difficulty Level: easy      Time Required: 5 minutes

1. Be sure the cord has stopped pulsing for most births.
2. Ensure that there are two clamps on the cord.
3. Hold the section of cord to be cut with a piece of gauze under it.
4. Using sterile scissors cut between the two clamps.
5. Dab excess blood.
6. Place scissors away.
   

1. The gauze keeps excess blood from splattering.
2. Remind everyone that mom and baby can't feel the cord being cut.
3. The cord is thicker and harder to cut, more like meat gristle. Don't be surprised.
   

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