Lotus birth
Birth method / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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.[1] This usually occurs within 3–10 days after birth.[2] The practice is performed mainly for spiritual purposes, including for the perceived spiritual connection between the placenta and the newborn.[3]
As of December 2008, no evidence exists to support any medical benefits for the baby.[4] The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has warned about the risks of infection as the decomposing placenta tissue becomes a nest for infectious bacteria such as Staphylococcus.[4] In one such case a 20-hour old baby whose parents chose UCNS was brought to the hospital in an agonal state, was diagnosed with sepsis and required an antibiotic treatment for 6 weeks.[5][6]