Delayed cord clamping - a benefit, months later

These types studies have been out for years, but it is encouraging to see that more mainstream media is getting the word out there, click here to read more from the NY Times. 

The general finding from this particular study relating to iron levels, was the babies had a lower incidence of iron deficiency months later if the cord was clamped 3 minutes or later, instead of within 10 seconds. You may think, that is not much time difference, but it is to the baby's iron supply! Or you may wonder, do practitioners actually clamp the cord that quickly... and the answer is, you betcha. If you have not made a request for delayed cord clamping and/or discussed what your doctor's (or her/his partners within the group practice) general practice is, you may find the the cord is clamped in one fell swoop, just as your baby is inhaling its first breath of air. Also, you may want to request that the doctor leave orders that if the baby is born before she arrives to "catch" him/her, that it is ok that the nurses delay cord clamping, otherwise they may just do it right away, as away to begin to quickly check off all the things that they need to "get done."

Talk to your doctor about your preferences, include your desires in your birth plan, and feel free to ask about these types of studies, if necessary.