Delaying clamping of the umbilical cord for 30 to 60 seconds is recommended to increase iron stores, which provides the following: For all infants: Possible developmental benefits For premature infants: Improved transitional circulation and decreased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage (however, slightly increased risk of needing phototherapy) An alternative to delayed clamping in premature infants is umbilical cord milking, which involves pushing blood toward the infant by grasping and squeezing (milking) the cord before it is clamped.