trying to sort it all out...delayed cord clamping

As with so many things relating to birth, there is a ton of conflicting information available related to Delayed Cord Cutting/ Clamping...

Delayed Cord Cutting/Clamping is 

When the practitioner doesn't clamp and cut the umbilical cord immediately after birth...instead waiting anywhere from 1-3 minutes or even until the cord has stopped pulsing. 

There are many benefits of delayed cord cutting/clamping...

For example the risk of anemia in the baby is almost virtually eliminated because it receives it's entire blood volume instead of only the two thirds it actually has at birth.

Also because the umbilical cord supplies oxygen to the babe, delaying the cord clamping allows the babe to transition to it's new breathing system much more smoothly. In the event that babe needs resuscitation, keeping the cord intact while the placenta is still pulsing will actually assist efforts to stimulate the newborn by helping to supply oxygen.

Some Doctors feel that the risk of jaundice to the babe is greatly increased by the practice of delayed cord cutting...

Studies have shown that while the biliruben levels are elevated in babes whose cord cutting was delayed, it doesn't even reach clinical jaundice levels.

This kind of risk consideration is a little funny to me because the administration of an epidural to the labouring mother will also increase the risk of jaundice to the babe with the benefit in this situation being a painless labor for mom.

Hmmmm...

I was able to find a great article on this issue (it even suggests that maybe its a convenience thing for hospital staff rather than an evidence based practice) as well as two wonderful videos short and to the point...so don't worry you won't be sitting here for hours ;)
The first is the opinion of a medical doctor, the second is from a very well respected childbirth educator and doula.

all about labor induction

There is a lot of confusing information out there on induction. I know many women who don't know there are any risks involved and view it as standard procedure. 

Did you know that your risk for cesarean section greatly increases with labor induction!?! 

So...When you are near the end of your pregnancy and your emotions are telling you that you can't stand to be pregnant any longer!!!

...remember, your sweet babe is making the final preparations for the long journey to come and be a part of your family. Babe needs as much time as he/she can get to be healthy and strong and ready for this new world.

Here is a great article that talks about why you may need an induction and options available when you are faced with one.