Opti-Cord

Supporting Safer Decisions for Preterm Babies and Families

What is Opti-Cord

Opti-Cord is a research study exploring how to improve care for very premature babies who need help with breathing at birth.

The study looks at whether babies may have better outcomes if they remain attached to the umbilical cord and placenta during resuscitation, rather than having the cord clamped immediately.

While research already shows benefits of delayed cord clamping for premature babies who do not need resuscitation, this study explores a more complex and important question for those who do.

This work also focuses on creating safe and supportive ways for families to share their views, helping ensure that research and care approaches reflect the needs of those most affected.

Explore ways to improve outcomes for very premature babies

Ensure family perspectives shape how research is communicated

Develop clear, accessible, and compassionate study materials

Support more informed and sensitive care during critical moments

Why This Project Matters

Very premature birth can be an intense and emotional experience for families. From the feedback from our haPPIE Members we know the material and support given to families from underrepresented communities is not right and can lead to further distress. 

The first moments after birth are critical, and decisions made during this time can affect:

  • Survival

  • Immediate health outcomes

  • Longer-term development, including brain health

    This research aims to:

  • Strengthen evidence around what works best

  • Support safer, more effective care decisions

  • Ensure families are given clear and compassionate information during difficult moments

How People Can Get Involved

There are gentle and ethical ways to take part:

  • Reviewing study materials to ensure they are clear and sensitive

  • Helping shape information designed for families

  • Providing feedback on how research is communicated

  • Supporting the development of community-facing resources

  • Contributing to learning summaries and reflections

    All involvement is carefully guided, with no expectation to share personal experiences unless you choose to.

Important Information

This work contributes to:

Clear, accessible information will be provided before participation

Consent will be requested where needed

Paid opportunities to review documents from your perspective

Participation is voluntary and confidential

You may withdraw at any time

Are you eligible?

We are inviting:

  • Parents and families with experience of preterm or very premature birth

  • Individuals who may wish to support how research is communicated to families

  • People who feel able to contribute to improving information and understanding

    You are welcome to engage at a level that feels comfortable and appropriate for you.

What Is Needed 

  • Interest or experience related to preterm birth (not required to share personal details)

  • Willingness to engage in a respectful and supported environment

  • Able to provide informed consent where required

Your contributions will help develop

Opti-Cord will:

  • Contribute to a multi-site research study

  • Build stronger evidence to guide care for very premature babies

  • Improve how research teams communicate with families from underrepresented communities

  • Support the development of clearer, more compassionate information

Support & Care

This work recognises the emotional weight of the topic:

Participation is carefully planned

You can step back at any time

Boundaries and emotional safety are prioritised

Involvement is grounded in safeguarding, consent, and compassion

Support is available if anything feels difficult

If you would like to help shape how this research supports families.