This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

To assess the efficacy and safety of respiratory support provided during delayed cord clamping (DCC) compared with no respiratory support during placental transfusion (in the form of DCC, milking, or stripping) in preterm infants immediately after delivery. DCC takes longer than other methods of placental transfusion (such as cord milking or stripping) and respiratory support is unnecessary with other types of placental transfusion. This has been taken into account in structuring the main comparisons, which include the following.

• DCC with any respiratory support versus DCC without respiratory support.

  • DCC with CPAP via face mask or nasal prongs or nasopharyngeal tube versus DCC with no respiratory support.

  • DCC with positive pressure ventilation provided by face mask, laryngeal mask, or endotracheal tube versus DCC with no respiratory support.

• DCC with any respiratory support versus cord milking.

  • DCC with CPAP via face mask or nasal prongs or nasopharyngeal tube versus cord milking.

  • DCC with positive pressure ventilation provided by face mask, laryngeal mask, or endotracheal tube versus cord milking.

• DCC with any respiratory support versus cord stripping.

  • DCC with CPAP via face mask or nasal prongs or nasopharyngeal tube versus cord stripping.

  • DCC with positive pressure ventilation provided by face mask, laryngeal mask, or endotracheal tube versus cord stripping.

• Subgroups: gestational age (< 28 weeks and ≥ 28 weeks).