How to Have A Lotus Birth
Lotus Birth is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut, so that the baby remains attached to the placenta until the cord naturally separates at the umbilicus (navel).
Benefits:
- A gentle, less invasive transition from womb to world.
- Increased blood nourishment from the placenta.
- Boost Babies immune system.
- Increases newborn weight gain.
- 60% more red blood cells.
- 60% more Iron.
- 60% more Stem Cells.
- 60% more White Blood Cells.
- Establishes babies digestive tract.
- Establishes babies elimination system.
- Decreases the chance of jaundice.
- Prevents future diseases.
- Focuses on mother and baby bonding.
How To Have A Lotus Birth:
- When the baby is born, leave the umbilical cord intact.
- Wait for the natural delivery of the placenta.
- When the placenta delivers, place it into a strainer and bowl beside the mother.
- Wait a few hours at least 2-4, before washing the placenta.
- Gently wash the placenta with warm water and pat dry.
- Place the placenta into strainer and bowl to allow drainage.
- After Washing Placenta and allowing it to drain, pat dry.
- place the placenta on the absorbent pads.
- Apply the placenta with a bed of Pink Himalayan sea salt on both sides. (this is re-applied every 8-12 hours)
- Herbs and essential oils may be used to help in providing a pleasant scent.
- Wrap the absorbent pads around the placenta you can use an elastic to tie it. So you can carry it around. Or put placenta in a pouch.
- The baby is held with placenta at the same level as the baby at all times.
- Carry placenta bag beside baby everywhere.
- Baby is clothed loosely, with shirt and pants, or diaper and swaddle.
- The baby can be wiped down as usual (avoiding the navel and cord)
- Keep movement to a minimum.
- Absorbent pads are changed daily or more often if seepage occurs.
How long does it take for the cord to dry up?
The umbilical cord starts to dry a few hours after birth. Some umbilical cords are thicker than others, this can make the process take a bit longer. After the cord completely dries it will slowly begin to naturally separate from the navel until it falls off. My babies umbilical cords fell off in 5 days, 4 days, and 2 days! None of them were kicked off prematurely. The key to having your umbilical cord dry faster is, provide the cord as much air fluctuation as possible. I fan my cords a lot to help with the drying process.
What To Prevent During a Lotus Birth:
- Avoid the umbilical cord getting tangled by babies feet. Newborns can kick the umbilical cord and cause the cord to pull off prematurely. This can be painful, and cause bleeding.
- Ensure you sterilize all items before washing your placenta. This is done to avoid unwanted bacteria seeping into it.
- Avoid baby clothing with zippers. All clothing will need to have an opening in the middle, so snap closures, shirt with pants, diapers with swaddle will be more helpful.
- Do not bath baby until the cord falls off, and the navel is healed and sealed. Consider wiping baby down until the cord detaches.
- Ensure your absorbent pads are clean, and non scented. To avoid irritating the placenta
- Everything you put on the placenta will be absorbed. Only use organic salts and herbs.
- Always remember your baby is attached to the placenta, don't forget to pick baby up with the placenta to avoid the cord being pulled. This can irritate the baby and the navel.
- After a few days the placenta will contain a smell as the blood sits stagnant. Do not spray or apply any perfumes, this can irritate your placenta and baby. Instead try double wrapping your placenta.
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