A “Butterfly Baby” is a non-medical term for an infant whose umbilical cord is not severed after delivery, a practice known as Lotus Birth. This approach leaves the newborn attached to the placenta until the connection naturally separates, contrasting with the conventional management of the third stage of labor where the cord is clamped and cut shortly after birth. Understanding Lotus Birth requires examining the logistics, the philosophy behind it, and the medical community’s perspective on its safety.
Defining the Practice of Non-Severance
Lotus Birth is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord and the placenta entirely untouched after birth. The cord is not clamped, tied, or cut, requiring the baby and the placenta to remain physically connected for several days. The goal is natural separation, which occurs when the tissue dries and shrivels. This spontaneous detachment typically happens between three and ten days after delivery, though it can sometimes take up to 15 days. Until separation, the infant is tethered to the placenta, which is considered dead tissue with no blood circulation once delivered.
The Philosophical Rationale
Proponents believe Lotus Birth provides a gentler, less invasive transition for the newborn. This philosophy respects the baby’s autonomy by allowing separation from the placenta to occur on the infant’s own timeline. Advocates often view the placenta as a sacred companion that should not be forcefully separated. A commonly cited belief is that the practice maximizes the final transfer of blood and nutrients, ensuring the baby receives the full “vital force.” For some, the practice also carries spiritual significance, honoring the deep connection between the mother and child.
Handling and Care During the Process
Placenta Management
The practical management of the placenta requires specific care to prevent decomposition and odor over several days. Once delivered, the placenta is typically rinsed with warm water to remove blood clots and then patted dry. It is then placed in a container or a breathable bag made of natural material.
To aid the drying process and act as a natural preservative, the placenta is frequently treated with salt to absorb excess moisture. Parents may also apply dried herbs or essential oils, such as rosemary or lavender, to help mask any developing odor. The wrapping or container needs to be changed daily to maintain cleanliness and absorb fluid.
Infant Safety
Caring for the infant requires constant vigilance to avoid accidentally tugging on the cord. The baby must be held and moved carefully, keeping the placenta in close proximity. This prevents painful avulsion, or tearing, of the cord from the navel. Loose-fitting clothing that opens in the front is often recommended to accommodate the attached organ.
Medical and Safety Perspectives
Major medical organizations do not recommend Lotus Birth, citing a lack of scientific evidence for benefits and significant safety concerns. The primary concern is that the placenta, which is dead tissue outside the body, becomes a source of infection. Since the placenta no longer has circulation, it is highly susceptible to colonization by bacteria. These pathogens can travel up the umbilical vein to the baby, potentially leading to neonatal sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection.
The practice has no evidence-based benefits and poses risks because the decomposing tissue harbors harmful pathogens. Standard delayed cord clamping, waiting 30 to 60 seconds before cutting, is proven to provide beneficial blood volume and iron transfer without the prolonged infection risk. Concerns also exist about other complications, including hyperbilirubinemia, which can cause jaundice in the newborn. Professional medical advice strongly recommends against the practice. Any signs of redness, warmth, swelling around the cord, or fever in the baby should prompt immediate medical attention.