UMBILICAL CORD MILKING IN NEWBORNS: SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To map the available evidence on umbilical cord milking in newborns. Material and Method: Scoping Review based on the protocol proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. A search for full-text articles published in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, WOS and CINAHL was carried out using the following keywords: infant, newborn, umbilical cord milking, placental transfusion and umbilical cord blood. Results: The results indicated umbilical cord milking has superior benefits to the immediate cord clamping, among the main ones are higher levels of Hemoglobin, Hematocrit and Serum Ferritin, and reduction of complications in preterm newborns, such as intraventricular hemorrhage and the need for blood transfusion. When compared to delayed cord clamping, it has similar benefits, but milking is considered a faster method of placental blood transfusion. Conclusions: Umbilical cord milking has similar potential to delayed cord clamping. Therefore, it can be an alternative for obstetric nurses and midwives when delayed cord clamping cannot be performed in order to ensure the benefits of placental transfusion to the neonate.