Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Delayed cord blood clamping for three minutes minimum

Waiting for at least three minutes before clamping the umbilical cord in healthy newborns improves their iron levels at four months, according to British Medical Journal. Delaying cord clamping is not linked to neonatal jaundice or other adverse health effects and should be standard care after uncomplicated pregnancies, adds the study.

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are major public health problems in young children around the world and are associated with poor neurodevelopment. Young children are at particular risk due to their high iron requirements during rapid growth.

Bonnie - many home birthing centers have promoted this for decades.

No comments: