环球英语 — 276：Cutting the Cord

　　Voice 1

Hello. I’m Mike Procter

Voice 2

And I’m Marina Santee. Welcome to Spotlight 1. This programme uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.

Voice 2

The sound of new life. A baby enters the world. And it is now time to cut the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is a like a tube or a pipe. It connects a mother to her baby. The umbilical cord carries all the healthy substances from the mother to the baby. Cutting the cord is an important act. And for some people it also has deep meaning.

Voice 1

The Maasai are a native African group. They live in Kenya and northern Tanzania. The umbilical cord has symbolic 2 meaning to the Maasai. It represents the first relationship of life - mother and her child. So, to begin with, the Maasai midwife moves the knife up and down three times, close to the cord but not cutting it yet. At this point, the people remember that all relationships are sacred, holy. They remember that relationships must not be broken easily. Next, the midwife ties the cord and cuts it. The mother and child become separate physically 3. But emotionally, they remain connected, at peace. This is why the Maasai call the umbilical cord ‘Osutua’, meaning ‘peace.’

Voice 2

In a small village in Sidi Daoud, North Africa, Rosie becomes a grandmother - again! Well, this is what the local village people call her. Rosie is a skilled, trained midwife. She brings new babies into the world! She also cuts the umbilical cords of these babies. So, to the people in this village, this makes Rosie the grandmother! Rosie has over thirty years experience! She shared some of her knowledge with Spotlight. We asked her how she cuts the umbilical cord;

Voice 3

‘There are different ways. But first wash your hands. Clean them with soap. Then you need something clean to cut the cord with. You can use scissors. Boil them in water for ten minutes to clean them. Or you can use a razor blade to cut it with. But it must be new.’

Voice 2

Dirty hands or equipment can infect the baby. The umbilical cord connects directly to the baby’s liver. If the liver becomes infected, the baby can die.

Voice 1

When the midwife has all the clean equipment, she is ready. Rosie uses two clamps 5. The clamps press the sides of the cord together, so the cord is blocked in two places. She fixes one clamp 4 next to the baby. She puts the other clamp next to the mother. Then she carefully cuts through the middle of the cord - between the clamps.

Voice 2

If a midwife does not have clamps, she uses strong clean material. Rosie advises using suture material. This is the material that hospitals use to fix wounds. Rosie explains how to tie the material on the cord;

Voice 3

‘Tie the material close to the baby. Then, measure about two or three fingers away from the baby’s stomach. Do not cut the cord too short. You may need to tie the remaining part of the cord again afterwards - if it bleeds.’

Voice 1

The remaining part of the cord is called the cord stump 6. The cord stump dries and falls off. This usually takes around ten to twenty days. During this time it is important to make sure that the stump does not bleed. Bleeding happens when the cord is not tied correctly. Even a little leaked blood can put the baby into shock. This is very dangerous. Rosie advises women to keep examining the cord stump:

Voice 3

‘Put a clean cloth on the cord stump. Then, have a little look at it after half an hour. Look again a few hours later. If it is a thick cord, it is hard to tie. So, it is best to put another tie on. The cord stump will get smaller with time. It has a soft jelly 7 substance around it. This gets smaller. So the tie no longer holds it well, and the stump may bleed.’

‘You should also inspect the umbilical cord when you cut it. You should see three blood vessels 8 - tubes. If there are only two, you should take the baby to hospital. It may mean the baby has a problem with his kidneys 9. Also, if you cannot tie the cord, go to hospital.’

Voice 2

Some people put substances on the cord stump. But Rosie says;

Voice 3

‘Do not put anything on it. Only use prepared substances from a doctor - such as medical iodine 10 or medical alcohol. Do not put henna paint on the cord. Do not put animal waste on the cord. This can cause tetanus. The baby could die.’

Voice 1

Redness on the baby’s stomach around the cord is a sign of infection. Mothers should get to doctor quickly if they see this.

Voice 2

Rosie also advises mothers not to use another traditional substance - black kohl. Some women use this to paint their new born baby’s eyes. But kohl usually contains lead. This can be very dangerous for a baby’s small, weak eyes. Rosie advises women not to use kohl.

Voice 1

Following all these instructions gives a baby the best chance at becoming a healthy child. Rosie advises all women to have medical help when they give birth. They can still give birth at home. But they should have a medical person with them.

Voice 2

Rosie has worked in Sidi Daoud village for thirty years. Yet she still sees new situations. No two births are the same. No two people are the same. This is the beauty of life. Rosie quotes a verse 11 from the Bible. She thinks it may have been written for midwives!

Voice 3

’You created my inner being. You made me inside my mother. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’

Voice 1

Shouts and cries come from a small house in Sidi Daoud. Inside, are a group of women, old and young. They shout and cheer encouraging words! Some of them chant or sing. They gather around a woman. She is giving birth on the floor. Rosie sits on the floor with the mother. She gives clear, gentle instructions to the woman. The women continue to shout and cheer. They shout the names of prophets 12. As the woman gets closer to giving birth, they call on God. This mother is not alone. Here in a small village hut, giving birth is a joint 13 effort! The women shout louder, with excitement. Rosie carefully brings another new life into the world. Together, the women laugh, and cry. They have just witnessed the miracle of life. Rosie cuts the cord and the mother smiles - thanking the new grandmother.