By Xeno
Waiting a few minutes after delivery to cut the umbilical cord is best for a newborn’s health, research suggests.
Delaying cord clamping reduces the risk that the baby will have iron deficiency anaemia without substantial side effects, the authors told the BMJ.
The World Health Organization dropped early clamping from its guidelines some years ago.
But there are no formal guidelines for NHS staff about when the cord should be cut.
An audit a few years ago found many UK hospitals advocate early clamping, as soon as the baby is delivered.
Blood boost
Mounting evidence suggests this may not be best practice and could be causing health problems.
Globally, about a quarter of preschool children have iron deficiency anaemia, the most severe... More...
