Lotus birth is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut after a baby is born, allowing the newborn to remain attached to the placenta until the cord naturally separates at the navel. This practice, sometimes called umbilical cord nonseverance, gained modern attention in the 1970s. The choice is rooted in non-medical beliefs about a gentle transition for the infant. However, it carries specific requirements for care and serious health considerations that parents should understand.
Defining the Practice
Lotus birth involves a deliberate choice not to clamp or cut the umbilical cord after delivery, keeping the entire placenta intact and connected to the baby. This differs significantly from delayed cord clamping, which is the standard practice of waiting thirty seconds to three minutes before cutting the cord to allow for a beneficial transfer of blood volume. The cord eventually dries out and detaches from the baby, much like a conventional umbilical stump, but this process takes much longer. The duration of attachment typically lasts between three and ten days, though it can take up to fifteen days for complete separation. Careful handling is necessary to prevent accidental tearing or avulsion, which could cause bleeding or pain for the newborn.
Caring for the Attached Placenta
Managing the placenta while it remains attached to the infant requires meticulous, continuous care to prevent decomposition and odor. Once delivered, the placenta is no longer a living organ and quickly becomes dead tissue. Initial steps involve gently rinsing excess blood or fluid from the placenta and cord, followed by patting them completely dry. The placenta is then typically placed in a breathable container, such as a bowl or a cloth-lined bag, which must be kept close to the baby. To aid in the drying process and minimize odor, parents often apply coarse sea salt or drying agents like herbal powders, though this attachment restricts the baby’s movement and makes handling more cumbersome.
The Underlying Philosophy
The decision to pursue a lotus birth is primarily driven by philosophical and spiritual motivations rather than evidence-based medical benefits. Proponents view the placenta as the baby’s first organ, believing it should be treated with respect and allowed to complete its process without intervention. This non-severance is seen as providing a gentle transition for the newborn, minimizing the stress of separation and entry into the world. Some parents believe that leaving the connection intact fosters a deeper emotional and spiritual bond, symbolizing wholeness. The practice also serves as a physical reminder for parents to embrace a “lying-in” period, encouraging skin-to-skin contact and preventing the baby from being passed around excessively.
Health and Safety Considerations
The primary concern health professionals have with lotus birth is the significant risk of infection. Once delivered, the placenta is dead tissue that has no circulation, making it highly susceptible to colonization by bacteria. This decomposing tissue can become a breeding ground for pathogens, which may travel up the moist umbilical cord to the newborn’s navel. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists advises against the practice due to the potential for infection to spread, leading to severe conditions like omphalitis or sepsis. While parents may use salt and herbs, there is no scientific evidence that these methods are effective in preventing bacterial growth or reducing the risk of infection.