The lives of tens of thousands of premature babies could be saved by simply delaying clamping the umbilical cord by one minute, according to Australian doctors.
Key points: Waiting 60 seconds before clamping umbilical cord could save thousands of premature babies.
Doctors say delaying clamping is safe for mothers and babies.
They found waiting 60 seconds before clamping the umbilical cord reduced the risk of deaths by one third.
Professor Morris said the new research showed it was safe for premature babies too, and it could change how they're treated.
"It meant for every 20 babies born at less than 28 weeks that received delayed cord clamping, one extra baby would survive," he said.
Professor Morris said there were several theories why clamping may be beneficial for premature babies. »