Thanks Jackrose - I do have that book. just haven't looked at it for a while and hadn't got to that bit. I'll put on my list of things to discuss with the midwife. I think the idea will gross out DH though, but if it reduces the amount of time for the cord to drop off/reduces risk of infection, then that's got to be good.

I kind of figure if I'm going to freak out the family with a homebirth, might as well go the whole hog (kidding)