Lotus birth – what is it?

According to current guidelines and recommendations, cutting off the umbilical cord is recommended after its pulse stops-usually after about 1 minute. Some Parents opt for a late weaning because of its possible positive effects on the child. A separate, much smaller group is made up of Parents who want the birth to go as naturally as possible, avoiding any medical interference, among other things. cutting the umbilical cord. The idea of the birth they are opting for, the lotus birth, is based on waiting for the umbilical cord and placenta to dry and fall off on their own. However, experts are skeptical about this method.

Lotus birth-what is it?

Lotus birth and its entire ideology has existed since 1974, when it first took place. It is part of the most natural and physiological approach to the birth of a child. After the newborn is born, the umbilical cord is not cut, but waits until the umbilical cord falls off on its own along with the placenta. Proponents of lotus births cite the baby’s natural and non-invasive transition from fetal life to the outside world as an advantage. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, they also mention the risk of pain that cutting the umbilical cord would entail. However, experts agree and mostly oppose lotus births due to the lack of scientific literature on the subject and the possible risk of infection. Lotus births are popular in countries where the medicalization of birth is less and access to hospitals and delivery rooms is worse. Lotus birth usually takes place in a home setting and is accompanied by other rituals chosen by the Parents. If it takes place in a hospital, Parents generally sign a statement related to their responsibility for the decision to have a lotus birth and its possible consequences.

Lotus birth- the course

Lotus birth has a similar course to other births. More often, however, any medicalization, such as the administration of oxytocin or perineal incisions, is avoided during lotus delivery. It takes place in conditions that are friendly to the woman and provide her with maximum comfort – the presence of music or aromatherapy. It is important to have a midwife present during the birth who supports the decision to have a lotus birth and respects the Parents’ choice.

Until the baby is born, the course of labor is like any other birth. After birth, however, the umbilical cord is not cut. The placenta, after careful evaluation by the midwife (whether it is complete), is placed on a strainer and covered with gauze, for example. To avoid rotting processes they are sprinkled with salt. Some also sprinkle them with a selection of mixed herbs. Such an uncut placenta falls off spontaneously after a few days.

Lotus birth- risks

Lotus delivery is still a home birth in most cases. However, there are all sorts of risks involved. One of them is the distance from a medical facility in case any interventions are needed. Despite the presence of a midwife at a home birth, prompt assistance from gynecologists or neonatologists may also be necessary. In such a situation, if the couple is determined to have a lotus birth, but wants to be under the care of specialists, they can take advantage of such an option in some hospitals. One of them is located in Olsztyn.

Opponents of lotus births emphasize the risk of infection and contamination resulting from an uncut umbilical cord and placenta. Reports are available of a higher risk of jaundice and umbilical cord inflammation in the newborn. There are also no proven benefits to the child from such a procedure. If Parents want their child to benefit from positive effects such as an increase in hemoglobin levels or iron stores, they can ask the staff for what is known as an “iron boost. late weaning, which takes place about 3 minutes after birth.

Read more: Late unbuttoning and cord blood collection. Is it possible?