This guideline provides global, evidence-informed recommendations on optimal timing of umbilical cord clamping as a public health intervention for the purpose of improving maternal and infant health and nutrition outcomes. Delayed cord clamping (waiting to clamp for two to three minutes) can improve an infant’s iron status for up to six months after birth. The guideline highlights that this practice is particularly relevant for infants living in low-resource settings with less access to iron-rich foods and thus at greater risk of anemia.
WHO, 2014