A study has found that delayed umbilical cord clamping for full-term babies can boost their brain development and fine motor skills at four years of age. The study was conducted in Nepal and published in JAMA Pediatrics. Though the Daily Mail also mentions that delayed cord clamping has not been proven to prevent iron deficiency or anaemia in older children, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The study’s author, Dr Ola Andersson, of Uppsala University said, “Delayed umbilical cord clamping has been shown to improve iron stores in infants to six months of age. However, delayed cord clamping has not been shown to prevent iron deficiency or anaemia after six months of age.”

Clinical guidelines vary in different countries, so check with your doctor or midwife what is currently recommended where you live.