Julie i did NOT want her to pull on the cord as i've actually heard that can be dangerous but my brain was still in my arse and i figured if she was that worried she could just give me the shot (after which she left me alone). I've read where cords have split before going into the placenta and are a bit weak (where you can't SEE) and have torn or snapped right off during traction. I also saw veterinary cord traction invert a cow's uterus - not good!

My notes say i lost 150ml (estimated) and my midwife said she'd over-estimated because i was at home, so it was more like 100ml, so i doubt i needed the injection at all.

It definitely depends on one's midwife. My friend's cord went on pulsing for 38 minutes and her placenta came 15 minutes after it stopped and her good German midwife didn't bat an eyelid.

B