Delayed cord clamping: a collaborative practice to improve outcomes.

Delayed cord clamping is a collaboration between the obstetric team and the neonatal team. Although the optimal timing for clamping the umbilical cord after birth continues to be subject to study, delaying clamping for at least 30-60 seconds, with the newborn held at or below the level of the uterus/placenta supports normal physiology and has proven benefits. Practical issues such as thermoregulation and equipment can be overcome with team collaboration and prebriefing planning. Neonatal nurses who attend deliveries are perfectly poised to influence this practice and improve short- and long-term outcomes for their patients.