A new technique has been found to prove extremely beneficial when it comes to improving the blood flow from umbilical cord into the infant's circulatory system. The technique to be used in preterm babies delivered through Cesarean section can improve blood pressure and red blood cell level.

The technique is known as cord milking. In the technique, cord is encircled with thumb and forefingers and is gently squeezed and the blood is slowly pushed through the cord to infant's abdomen. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has suggested to wait for 30 to 60 seconds to cut the cord after delivery.

It allows filling blood vessels in the lungs, increasing blood pressure to normal levels and preventing brain hemorrhage. In the research, 197 mothers were included and of them, 154 were having babies that were delivered through C-section.

The researchers divided the participants into groups randomly on whether or not to use cord milking before cutting the umbilical cord. The researchers came to know that infants delivered through C-section and on whom the technique was followed had high blood blow, higher blood pressure and increased hemoglobin levels and also, better level of red blood cells.

Study's author Dr Anup C Katheria, from the Neonatal Research Institute at the Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns in San Diego said that cord milking might compensate for reduced blood flow through the umbilical cord.