Ever think to leave your newborn baby attached to the placenta and carry both baby and placenta around until it severed on its own? Don't call it crazy until you look into it! There are many reasons why a mother or family would desire and opt to do this. There is name for this practice; it's called a Lotus Birth!

What is a Lotus Birth?

A Lotus Birth, otherwise known as umbilical nonseverance, is leaving the umbilical cord uncut after birth. Not just delayed, like delayed cord clamping, but left completely intact! The mother would leave the baby and placenta attached until it separates naturally from the umbilicus (the belly button!). The separation occurs anywhere from 2-10 days (ishh). Some add herbs and such to the placenta as well!Everywhere the baby would be carried, the placenta would be carried along as well!

Where did this practice come from?

The idea of Lotus Birth began around 1970. In 1974, Claire Lotus Day was carrying a baby. Ms. Day previously studied the work of primatologist Jane Goodall, whom observed chimpanzees. The primatologist noticed that after birth, the chimps would not bite and sever the umbilical cord. They would leave it intact and rest in the trees until it detached naturally. It seemed so natural and instinctual to Ms. Day!While pregnant, she looked for and found a doctor that would support her choice to take her son home from the hospital with his placenta and cord still intact. She made it happen!That is where the name came from!

Why Choose Lotus Birth?

1) Spiritual and Emotional Reasoning

‍This is more of a spiritual and emotional act. For many, Lotus Birthing is a sacred ceremony. The family likely values the transition between womb and mother. The family may also respect the connection the baby has with the placenta. Baby did just spend 9 months with it.

2) Calmer and More Peaceful Infant

‍Babies that stay connected to the placenta until it severs naturally are observed to be more calm and peaceful.(I will say though, that most babies born at home will likely be calm and peaceful. Homebirth babes likely aren't subjected to a vigorous and traumatic birth. They probably aren't entering the world into a room of bright lights and chaos of multiple people rushing around like a baby born in a hospital would.)

3) Promotes Peace and Rest

‍Having baby attached to the placenta also encourages mom and baby to stay home and take it slow. This promotes a time of peace and rest. You certainly won't see a mom carrying her baby and placenta around at the grocery store.

4) Promotes Recovery and Bonding

‍Lotus birth helps mom recover and promotes mother and infant bonding. Some families make this a whole family deal. The whole family stays home with the baby and does what they can around the house so that mom and baby have the first few days to adjust.

5) Baby is less likely to be passed around

‍It may also decreases the chances of baby being passed around to visitors. Baby... attached to an organ... with a cord that is gristle like... Yeahhhh, Uncle John likely won't want to try and interfere with all of that. It is not healthy for a new baby to be passed around to everyone. It should be just mom and baby for days. Skin to skin. Naps on naps.I am sure there are many other reasons, this is just what I have on the top of my head right now!More info in the links below including How-To's and placenta care while practicing a Lotus birth!-----> Feel free to check out our other articles! <-----https://motherhoodwithacrunch.wordpress.comhttp://www.lotusbirth.net/https://www.easybirth.org/indexhttps://youtu.be/4tVIP9c_FDk