What benefit does delayed cord clamping offer to newborns?

Delayed cord clamping has been shown to significantly increase the infant’s blood volume and iron reserves, which are critical for a newborn's development. When the umbilical cord is not immediately clamped and cut after birth, blood that would otherwise remain in the placenta is transferred to the newborn. This additional blood provides valuable nutrients and increases red blood cell count, which is crucial for the infant's oxygen transport capacity.

Iron reserves are particularly important in the first few months of life, as they contribute to the prevention of iron-deficiency anemia, which can have adverse effects on cognitive and motor development in infants and young children. The timing of clamping can therefore have long-lasting implications for a newborn's health and wellbeing.

Improving breathing immediately after birth is not a direct benefit of delayed cord clamping; while stable blood volume can contribute to better overall physiological function, the immediate initiation of breathing relies more on the newborn’s lung function. Reducing delivery time during labor and enhancing bonding are also not direct benefits associated with the practice of delayed cord clamping, which specifically addresses the physiological advantages for the infant.