In the 1950s some cord cutting data was obtained. The recommendation to delay cord cutting was made. Sometimes it takes 50 years for a good idea to take. Here’s a current study that states the benefit again:

Delay Cutting the Umbilical Cord, Research Suggests

By Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter
Tuesday, March 20, 2007; 12:00 AM

TUESDAY, March 20 (HealthDay News) — Newborns may gain several health benefits if the umbilical cord isn’t cut for at least two minutes after birth, a new Canadian study suggests.

Delaying cutting the once life-giving cord, rather than clamping it immediately, results in better blood counts and iron levels for a baby, according to the meta-analysis — or study of previous studies — that appears in the March 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.