Guide | Is Giving Birth Without Cutting the Umbilical Cord Safe? (Lotus Birth)
Lotus birth is a practice in which the umbilical cord is not cut after birth and the baby remains attached to the placenta until the cord separates naturally. This usually takes 5 to 15 days, during which placental care is important. The safety of this practice remains controversial.
Potential benefits of lotus birth
There is currently insufficient research, and the medical community does not recommend lotus birth, but supporters suggest several potential benefits. They argue that because the placenta and fetus originate from the same tissue, delaying cord cutting may strengthen the baby's immunity, increase oxygen supply, and help the baby remain calmer.
Existing research shows that delayed cord clamping, usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes after birth, increases a newborn's blood volume. Lotus birth has been proposed to offer similar benefits, but this hypothesis has not been scientifically verified.
Risks of lotus birth
After the placenta and umbilical cord leave the mother's body, blood no longer flows through them and they quickly become dead tissue. This makes the placenta highly vulnerable to infection, which can also put the baby at risk.
There is no standardized method for storing or caring for the placenta. Some families keep it in a bag, others expose it to air, and some apply herbs or essential oils. None of these methods is supported by scientific research, and the potential risks are difficult to estimate.
Placental care considerations
If lotus birth is chosen, take special care while the placenta remains attached:
Clothing: Dress the baby in loose clothing that does not interfere with the cord.
Position: Keep the placenta beside the baby to avoid pulling or tension.
Daily care: Watch the cord closely when feeding, holding, or touching the baby.
Infection prevention: Check the cord and placenta for signs of infection and prevent accidental cord separation.
If the cord is later cut, seek help from a medical professional. Do not attempt it yourself or pull the cord apart.
When to seek medical care
Even if there are no apparent problems, arrange a medical examination for the baby within 1 to 3 days after birth. Seek immediate care if any of the following occurs:
Redness, swelling, or warmth around the cord;
A temperature above 100.4°F (about 38°C);
Irregular feeding (fewer than 8 to 12 feeds and fewer than 3 bowel movements within 3 days);
Unusual sleep patterns or difficulty waking the baby;
Damage to the placenta.
Lotus birth has not been adequately studied, and families choosing it must take particular care. A newborn's immune system is not fully developed, so health problems may have a greater impact.
Guide | Is Giving Birth Without Cutting the Umbilical Cord Safe? (Lotus Birth)
Guide | Is Giving Birth Without Cutting the Umbilical Cord Safe? (Lotus Birth)
Lotus birth is a practice in which the umbilical cord is not cut after birth and the baby remains attached to the placenta until the cord separates naturally. This usually takes 5 to 15 days, during which placental care is important. The safety of this practice remains controversial.
Potential benefits of lotus birth
There is currently insufficient research, and the medical community does not recommend lotus birth, but supporters suggest several potential benefits. They argue that because the placenta and fetus originate from the same tissue, delaying cord cutting may strengthen the baby's immunity, increase oxygen supply, and help the baby remain calmer.
Existing research shows that delayed cord clamping, usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes after birth, increases a newborn's blood volume. Lotus birth has been proposed to offer similar benefits, but this hypothesis has not been scientifically verified.
Risks of lotus birth
After the placenta and umbilical cord leave the mother's body, blood no longer flows through them and they quickly become dead tissue. This makes the placenta highly vulnerable to infection, which can also put the baby at risk.
There is no standardized method for storing or caring for the placenta. Some families keep it in a bag, others expose it to air, and some apply herbs or essential oils. None of these methods is supported by scientific research, and the potential risks are difficult to estimate.
Placental care considerations
If lotus birth is chosen, take special care while the placenta remains attached:
Clothing: Dress the baby in loose clothing that does not interfere with the cord.
Position: Keep the placenta beside the baby to avoid pulling or tension.
Daily care: Watch the cord closely when feeding, holding, or touching the baby.
Infection prevention: Check the cord and placenta for signs of infection and prevent accidental cord separation.
If the cord is later cut, seek help from a medical professional. Do not attempt it yourself or pull the cord apart.
When to seek medical care
Even if there are no apparent problems, arrange a medical examination for the baby within 1 to 3 days after birth. Seek immediate care if any of the following occurs:
Redness, swelling, or warmth around the cord;
A temperature above 100.4°F (about 38°C);
Irregular feeding (fewer than 8 to 12 feeds and fewer than 3 bowel movements within 3 days);
Unusual sleep patterns or difficulty waking the baby;
Damage to the placenta.
Lotus birth has not been adequately studied, and families choosing it must take particular care. A newborn's immune system is not fully developed, so health problems may have a greater impact.
Source:
Collected online