Updated: Feb. 2, 2018
Originally Published: June 8, 2015
When it comes to childbirth, I like to think of myself as open-minded. If someone wants to deliver their baby in a cozy tub in their backyard, more power to them! Conversely, if they prefer the comfort of an epidural, that’s fantastic too. The most important aspect of any birth experience, beyond safety, is that a mother feels empowered by her choices, regardless of how the delivery unfolds — which, let’s face it, is often beyond our control.
I leaned toward a more natural approach during my own birthing experiences. With two skilled midwives, I gave birth at home. We opted not to wash our newborns for a few days (other than some spot cleaning), and I spent the initial days in skin-to-skin contact, solely focused on breastfeeding.
So, you might think I’d be on board with the latest birthing trend gaining traction on social media: the lotus birth. In case you’re unfamiliar, this practice involves leaving the umbilical cord uncut following birth, allowing the baby to remain attached to the placenta until the cord naturally dries and detaches — a process that can take anywhere from three to ten days. This means carrying the placenta around in a bowl or pot, as seen in numerous online posts.
Honestly, I can’t wrap my head around this concept. If it’s something you want to pursue, go ahead! But the thought of having a decaying organ attached to my newborn for days is about as appealing as a flat tire.
Advocates of lotus birth argue that it represents the most natural and spiritually enriching way to handle afterbirth. As stated on LotusBirth.net, “Lotus birth extends the birth time into the sacred days that follow and enables baby, mother and father and all family members to pause, reflect and engage in nature’s conduct.” While that sounds lovely, I fail to see why I need to lug around a spoiled organ in a cooking pot to achieve such a connection with nature.
In fact, this added responsibility seems counterproductive to the very essence of “just being.” The first few days after giving birth are challenging enough without the additional burden of a placenta! Breastfeeding attempts could become awkward, diaper changes might turn into a messy ordeal, and if you have older children, just imagine the potential chaos.
Ultimately, I find myself questioning the health implications of this practice. A lack of medical evidence supporting lotus births was evident in my research, and I consulted Dr. James Turner, a pediatrician based in Chicago. He pointed out, “There’s no concrete evidence to support the health benefits of lotus birth. No randomized control trials have been conducted comparing it to traditional practices.” He also highlighted the risk of infections that could arise as the placenta decomposes, echoing concerns raised by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in a 2008 memo regarding non-severance births.
Moreover, it’s crucial to distinguish lotus births from the practice of delayed cord clamping, where the cord is allowed to pulse for a few minutes after birth, ensuring that blood from the placenta is transferred to the baby. This method has documented health benefits and is endorsed by key health organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “The health benefits of delaying cord clamping are well-established,” Dr. Turner explained. “However, lotus births extend beyond this recommendation and cannot be assumed to share similar risks or benefits.”
Call me narrow-minded, but I struggle to see how carrying around a dried-up organ will enhance my spiritual journey post-birth. It sounds more like an unnecessary hassle than a meaningful practice.
In summary, while the trend of lotus births is on the rise, it raises important questions about practicality, health risks, and whether such practices truly contribute to a fulfilling birthing experience. For those considering various options for conception, you might also find valuable insights in our resource on fertility supplements here or explore at-home insemination kits here. Additionally, for comprehensive information about intrauterine insemination, check out this excellent resource here.
SEO Metadata
Keyphrase: Lotus Births
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]