The Increasing Popularity of Lotus Births: What We Need to Know

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I like to think of myself as pretty open-minded when it comes to how women choose to give birth. Whether it’s in a cozy tub in your backyard or with an epidural in a hospital, every choice is valid. What truly matters is that a mother feels empowered by her decision, regardless of how the birth unfolds (which, let’s face it, can be unpredictable).

In my own birthing experiences, I leaned towards the more natural side of things. I had home births attended by skilled midwives, and we chose to delay bathing our newborns for a few days, opting instead for some skin-to-skin time and breastfeeding. So, you’d think I’d be intrigued by the rising trend of lotus births that’s taken the birthing community and social media by storm.

What is Lotus Birth?

For those unfamiliar, lotus birth involves leaving the umbilical cord attached to the placenta after delivery, allowing it to remain intact until it naturally dries up and falls off. This process can take anywhere from 3 to 10 days, meaning you’ll need to carry around the placenta in a bowl or pot wherever the baby goes.

Honestly, I just don’t get it. If you’re into this practice, more power to you. But the thought of having a decomposing organ attached to my baby for days is just about the least appealing idea I can think of.

The Arguments For and Against

Supporters argue that lotus birth is a way to embrace natural rhythms and create a spiritually enriching experience for the family. They say it gives everyone time to reflect and connect with nature. But I can’t help but wonder, why would I need to lug around a bowl of decay to achieve that? Isn’t the postpartum period already overwhelming enough? Just imagine the awkwardness of trying to breastfeed or change diapers while you’re also managing a rotting placenta. If you have other kids, this could turn into a chaotic situation. No thanks.

Health Perspectives

From a health perspective, it’s worth asking if there are any benefits to this practice. A lot of lotus birth websites don’t provide solid medical evidence, and I couldn’t find any studies supporting its claims. I reached out to Dr. Mia Thompson, a pediatrician based in New York, for her insights. She pointed out that there hasn’t been any rigorous clinical research comparing lotus births to traditional births regarding health outcomes.

Moreover, Dr. Thompson expressed concern over potential infection risks from the decomposing placenta. In fact, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists issued a warning back in 2008 regarding the risks associated with non-severance births like lotus births.

It’s important to differentiate lotus birth from delayed cord clamping, which allows the cord to finish pulsing for a few minutes post-birth to ensure the baby gets all the necessary blood from the placenta. This practice is backed by various health organizations and has been shown to have real benefits. “The advantages of delayed cord clamping are well documented,” Dr. Thompson noted. “However, lotus births extend far beyond this and shouldn’t be assumed to have the same effects.”

Conclusion

So call me skeptical or spiritually disconnected, but I genuinely don’t think carrying around a dried-up pot of tissue is going to enhance my well-being post-birth. Sounds more like a hassle than a healing experience.

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In summary, while lotus births are gaining popularity, the medical community raises valid concerns about their safety and practicality. It’s essential for new parents to weigh their options carefully and choose what feels right for them.