Is lotus birth safe?
Lotus birth occurs when the
umbilical cord remains attached to the placenta until it falls off on its own.
This means that the baby stays attached to the placenta longer than in a normal
birth.
Usually it takes about 5-15
days. This means that you will need to take good care of the placenta before it
comes off.
Lotus birth benefits
Lotus birth is not well
understood for us to know if it has any real benefit. Proponents of lotus birth
claim that the fetus and placenta are made of the same material. They believe
that if the umbilical cord is not cut, the baby will have a stronger immune
system, greater oxygen supply, and a more relaxed attitude.
Delayed cord clamping has been
shown to increase blood volume in infants. It is possible that the birth of a
lotus has a similar effect on babies, but this has not been scientifically
proven.
Lotus birth risks
After the placenta and
umbilical cord leave the uterus, no more blood will flow through the placenta.
It will be made from dead tissue. This makes the placenta susceptible to
infection. If this happens, the child will also get an infection.
There is no standard way to
store or secure the placenta. There are no medical recommendations on how to do
this either. Some people store the placenta in a pouch, while others prefer to
keep it in plain sight. Some even add herbs and essential oils to it. None of
these methods have been scientifically studied.
Placenta care
If you decide that lotus birth
is the right choice for you and your family, you need to keep a close eye on
the umbilical cord before it breaks away from your baby. If you later decide to
cut the umbilical cord, contact your pediatrician and have them cut it. Don't
cut it at home and don't let it tear by mistake.
While the placenta is still
attached to the baby:
- Dress them in revealing clothing that does not reach the umbilical cord or is too tight.
- Make sure that the placenta is close to the baby at all times so that it does not pull or cause tension.
- When you feed, hold or touch your baby, remember to pay attention to the umbilical cord.
- Monitor the placenta and your baby for infection or accidental rupture of the umbilical cord.
When to see a doctor
Even if you are not worried
about your lotus birth, you should make an appointment with your doctor within
1-3 days after giving birth. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any
of the following:
- Redness, elevated temperature, or swelling around the umbilical cord
- Temperature higher than 38 C
- Irregular feeding within the first three days after birth
- Irregular sleeping patterns or difficulty waking your baby
- Any damage to the placenta
Since the lotus birth method is not well understood, be very careful if you decide to practice it. Your child's immune system will not be fully developed at this stage of his life. Any disease they have will affect them more than an adult.