Lotus birth, or umbilical cord nonseverance, is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord attached to the placenta until it naturally separates, which typically occurs within 3–10 days after birth. Advocates believe it offers benefits such as reduced infection risk, a gentler transition for the baby, and emotional wellness, while also posing risks such as potential infections. Care for both the placenta and baby is crucial, with indicators for seeking medical attention outlined.

1. LOTUS BIRTH

2. • Lotus birth (or umbilical cord nonseverance - UCNS) is the
practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut after childbirth so
that the baby is left attached to the placenta until the cord
naturally separates at the umbilicus. This usually occurs within
3–10 days after birth.

4. HISTORY
• Although recently arisen as an alternative birth phenomenon in the West,
super-delayed (1+ hours post-birth) umbilical severance is common in
home births.
• Early American pioneers, in written diaries and letters, reported practicing
nonseverance of the umbilicus as a preventative measure, as they believed
it protected the infant from an open wound infection.

5. PURPOSE
• Some people view lotus birth as a way to gently transition the
baby of life outside the womb without the trauma of being cut
from the mother. It is often described as a spiritual practice,
with mothers viewing the placenta as belongings to the baby
rather than a medical by product

6. BENEFITS OF LOTUS BIRTH
• More blood
• No open wound means less infection risk
• Faster healing of the umbilicus
• Emotional well-being
• Postpartum healing
• A gentle, less-invasive transition for the baby from womb to the world

7. • Increased blood and nourishment from the placenta
• Decreased injury to the belly button
• A spiritual ritual to honor the shared life between baby and placenta

8. RISKS OF LOTUS
• Risk of infection in the placenta which can consequently spread to the
baby
• The placenta is particularly prone to Staphylococcus infection as it
contains blood. At the post delivery stage, placenta has no circulation and
is essentially dead tissue.

9. TAKING CARE OFTHE PLACENTA
• Keep a close eye on the umbilical cord before it breaks away from the
baby
• Dress them in open clothes that do not affect the umbilical cord or fit too
snugly
• Make sure the placenta is near the baby at all times so that it does not pull
or cause tension
• When mother feeds, hold or otherwise touches the baby, remember to look
out for the umbilical cord
• Keep an eye on the placenta and baby for infection or accidental cord

10. WHENTO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
• If parents notice any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:
1. Redness, elevated temperature or swelling around the umbilical cord
2. Temperature >100.4° F
3. Irregular feeding within the first 3 days after birth
4. Irregular sleeping patterns or difficulty waking of the baby
5. Any damage to the placenta