What is lotus birth?

Lotus birth is the practise of leaving the umbilical cord uncut after a baby is born. The cord remains connected to the placenta and the baby until it drops off by itself at the navel, usually after 3-7 days.
This is not just the invention of a new age birthing ritual, there are many benefits for mother and baby that some health professionals are just beginning to become aware of.

What is the placenta?

Placenta is a Latin word and means ‘flat cake’. It is a multi-organ that grows from the same fertilized egg and the same genetic material as the baby, hence the placenta belongs to the baby not the mother. It is fully functionable around 8 weeks of pregnancy and the baby’s development depends completely on its correct functioning. The placenta transfers blood and nutrients to the baby and removes waste products. It supports functions to the baby’s lungs, liver, kidneys and gut.
The placenta has its own intelligence – it can recognise many substances that are harmful to the baby and acts as a protective barrier.
The placenta also produces hormones that help maintain the pregnancy and prepare the mother’s breasts for lactation.

Active management and early cord cutting

The umbilical cord is the baby’s lifeline to the mother via the placenta.
In the medical model of care it is common practise to ‘actively manage’ the third stage of labour, the period from the birth of the baby until delivery of the placenta.
Active management means clamping the umbilical cord and cutting it within minutes, sometimes seconds, of the birth while the cord is still pulsing and the placenta is still inside the uterus. At the same time the mother receives an injection of Syntocinon, a uterotonic drug. This causes the uterus to produce strong contractions with the aim to separate the placenta from the uterine wall. The contractions will clamp off the uterine blood vessels and thereby stop bleeding. Then the placenta is pulled out via controlled cord traction.
This intervention is believed to reduce blood loss and reduce the risk of haemorrhage. Some practitioners use Syntometrine instead of Syntocinon. Syntometrine can have side effects: Nausea, vomiting and high blood pressure.

Effects of early cord cutting

Through early cord cutting the baby is missing out on getting up to 1/3 of its placental blood which is very rich and contains hormones, enzymes, iron and stem cells. If the baby doesn’t get all its blood, when its organs are just beginning to work fully, it has to start off depleted and the baby’s system has to produce the missing amount right after birth.
By clamping a pulsing cord the baby is forced into a state of panic. It has to breathe suddenly or it will suffocate. This is a very painful experience for a baby and can have long reaching effects.
Frederick Leboyer believes the way we breathe at birth creates a pattern that will determine how we will breathe for the rest of our life.
 Early cutting has been linked to an increased likelihood of childhood anaemia, allergies, asthma, digestive issues, adult colitis, lumbar and vertebral issues, as well as low vitality and lethargy, a poor sense of empowerment, low self esteem and low motivation in life.
Psychologically early cord cutting is a traumatic ending to the physical connection with the mother and a sudden loss of the baby’s source of nourishment. This feeling can stay with a person throughout life and may create issues around ‘not getting enough’ or ‘not being able to support oneself’.

Leave well alone

In the midwifery model of care the third stage of labour is guided by ‘leave well alone’. Mother and baby are kept in a warm and peaceful environment to support the break down of stress hormones and the production of oxytocin. Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, which will expel the placenta, close off blood vessels and stop the bleeding. In 9 out of 10 births there are no complications in this natural process.
If the mother is tired she is given an energising drink, like tea with honey or a juice and in due course she is encouraged into an upright or squatting position so the placenta can slide out with the help of gravity. The midwife keeps a close watch on the amount of blood loss and Syntocinon will be given only if needed. There is no pulling on the cord as this can lead to complications such as uterine prolapse.
In a natural third stage there is no rush. Oxygen is still flowing to the baby through the blood in the cord. Therefore it is not under immediate pressure to use its lungs and start breathing for the first time.
By getting the full amount of placental blood the baby’s liver, kidneys, heart, digestive system, skin and brain will have an optimal start.
The immature liver and kidneys are supported by the placenta in the removal of stress hormones or drugs that the mother may have used during labour.
When the cord isn’t cut the baby naturally stays with the mother and won’t be taken away for cleaning and examination. Mother, father and baby can take time for integration of the birthing experience and spend time together as a new family.

Better bonding with oxytocin

In a natural third stage of labour mother and baby can have the full benefit of the hormone oxytocin.
Oxytocin not only causes the uterus to contract, it plays a major role in bonding between mother and baby. The hormone is produced by the primal brain and is also known as the ‘love hormone’. In smaller doses than at a birth it is also produced during lovemaking and orgasm.
With oxytocin levels still high after birth mother and baby will have a bonding experience with feelings of love and pleasure. The way a baby bonds with the mother after birth will influence its ability to love and relate later in life.
Furthermore if it feels love and pleasure instead of being overwhelmed, threatened in its survival, depleted and separated from the mother the baby’s primary imprint and first impression of the world will be affected accordingly.
Syntocinon does not have the ‘love-effect’ and interferes with oxytocin production.

The metaphysical side of lotus birth

The time after birth is like the time after making love. There is a certain sacredness to it. Lotus birth slows and calms things down. It respects the baby’s time to arrive from its inner to the outer world.

When the cord has stopped pulsing the placenta’s physiological function is fulfilled and it slowly dies. It is believed that in the days until the cord drops off the placenta has a metaphysical function.
Leaving it attached will allow the placenta to transmit its remaining life force and seal off the baby’s aura. A strong aura may be an indication of health and a strong immune system. A weak aura could provide entry points for degenerative diseases.
Leaving cord and placenta attached is also a gesture of respect. In fact there is no medical reason to separate baby and placenta. Most babies cry when their cord is cut. The two grew from the same cell and were intimate companions who shared the same space for several months interdependently side by side. As naturally as they grew they will also naturally separate.

By now with new awareness in the modern developed countries thousands of children have been lotus born. By giving them a gentle and respectful welcome they are physiologically and energetically well resourced. They are grounded and trust in life. Their systems were given the optimal resources to start life independently from their mothers.
This could be a new generation of children with a heightened sense of wellbeing that the world really needs.

Another culture that is known to have practised lotus birth are the American Native Indians.
Many others honour the umbilical cord and placenta through various forms of ritual. In the animal world chimpanzees are known to practise lotus birth while other animals eat their placenta, making sure the young one receives its benefits during breastfeeding.

How to practise lotus birth

Wait for the placenta to emerge naturally. Then put it into a strainer within a bowl near the baby. Within the first day wash and dry it. Then wrap it into some absorbent material or a nappy that should be changed daily. It is nice to sow your own placenta bag. Some people salt the placenta which will dry it out. Others prefer rosemary powder.
It is important to handle the baby and placenta carefully. When the cord dries out be careful as it becomes very brittle. It will become soft again if it is wet and reshaped with some breast milk or warm water.
It is fine to bathe the baby, but someone should be nearby to hold the placenta bag.
When the cord has fallen off the placenta can be frozen and then be buried with a small ceremony when the time feels right.

Is lotus birth for everyone?

Lotus birth is suitable for people who enjoy spending a relaxed and quiet time after birth.
People who like to invite lots of friends and pass the baby around might find it challenging to carry placenta and baby together.
It can be tempting to cut the cord when it becomes dry and it is important that partners are aware of what they are doing, as it wouldn’t be beneficial if the baby became the centre of disagreement and tension concerning its cord.
Most midwives will support lotus birth, but not all hospitals. That’s why it is important to find out before the birth what the hospital’s policy is and write the birth plan accordingly. Obviously this is not an issue to sort out just as a baby is born. It is also possible to do a lotus birth in combination with a caesarean section.

For more information please read Shivam Rajana’s excellent book ‘Lotus Birth’ by Greenwood Press or visit on the web:

www.lotusfertility.com
www.sarahjbuckley.com
www.womenofspirit.asn.au