The benefits of optimal cord clamping.

Optimal cord clamping is known and now widely recognised as having positive consequences for the neonate in the short- and medium-term. This review of some of the key literature published over the last five years on the effects of both ECC and OCC provides an insight into the evidence on this topic. The aim of this article is to summarise the key papers on the topic of the effect of timing of cord clamping, including some of those included in the Cochrane Review as well as the majority that have been published since, to provide an up-to-date overview.