Delay in cutting umbilical cord may best for baby

November 16, 2011

New research suggests a slight delay in cutting the umbilical cord is best for a newborn's health.

Part of the reason is that waiting three minutes before clamping the cord seems to boost a baby's blood volume by a third.

Swedish researchers tell the British Medical Journal babies with delay clamping had better iron levels at four months.

They were also far less likely to suffer anemia.

The findings call for more research in this area.

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.